Abstract
Due to advances in the assessment and treatment of patients with metastatic bone disease, the survival has improved in recent years.
It was the aim of this met-analysis to assess the outcome of patients with metastatic bone disease across Europe.
Five major bone tumour treatment centres participated in the met-analyses. Data had been collected prospectively and was retrieved from the databases for the purpose of this study. All patients were referred to the bone tumour centre for assessment and possible surgical treatment.
The data of almost 2500 patients were analysed. The average age at diagnosis was 60 years and the male to female ratio was 1:1.07.
The overall 5-year survival was 35%, but this was significantly better in metastatic disease of the thyroid and breast as well as multiple myeloma.
The number and site of metastases or the presence of a pathological fracture were not prognostic factors in terms of survival. Patients who were female or younger than 50 years of age at time of diagnosis had a better outcome.
This registry will be expanded and more information analysed to try and provide useful information about prognostic factors and outcome for patients with meta-static bone disease.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr Simon Donell. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Department of Orthopaedics, Norfolk & Norwich Hospital, Level 4, Centre Block, Colney Lane, Norwich NR4 7UY, United Kingdom.
