Evaluation of bone disease in breast cancer

New methods of assessing response are needed, both to improve patient management and to evaluate specific treatments. Serial plain radiographs are inadequate for monitoring the response of bone metastases to treatment. The use of serial biochemical measures of bone metabolism, tumour markers, subjective response and quality of life assessment need refinement but in future are likely to provide more clinically and biologically relevant information on the progress of our patients and facillitate comparison of different treatments.