The management of metastatic prostate cancer

Abstract

Bone is the most common site for metastatic deposits in men with prostate cancer. Metastatic bone disease is a catastrophic complication which can cause problems such as skeletal related events, hypercalcaemia, anaemia, spinal cord compression and signifies that the malignant process is incurable. It is important that nurses managing a caseload of patients which includes individuals with, or at risk of, metastatic bone disease are aware of the potential complications and management so that a comprehensive patient assessment can be undertaken and early intervention implemented to reduce the impact on the patient and carers.