Can cancer that has spread to the bones still be treated?
Jun 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Qi Zhirong
Introduction
In general, tumors that have spread to the bones can be treated, but the treatment is more challenging. If bone metastases are detected early and are limited to a few locations, the condition can sometimes be controlled, and even cured, through treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. In daily life, it is important to get plenty of rest and avoid excessive fatigue.
In general, tumors that have spread to the bones can be treated, although the treatment is more challenging. The specific situation can be analyzed as follows:
If bone metastases are detected early and are limited to a few sites, the disease may be controlled, and in some cases even cured, through treatments such as surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Certain types of cancer, such as breast and prostate cancer, may still respond well to endocrine therapy, targeted therapy, or chemotherapy even after bone metastasis, thereby prolonging survival and improving quality of life.
However, when the tumor has extensively spread within the bones and involves multiple sites, the possibility of a cure is lower. In such cases, the treatment goal shifts toward relieving pain, preventing fractures, controlling tumor growth, and maintaining quality of life. Additionally, if bone metastases lead to severe complications such as pathological fractures, spinal cord compression, or hypercalcemia, treatment becomes more complex and may require urgent intervention to stabilize the patient's condition.
In daily life, it is important to get adequate rest, avoid excessive fatigue, maintain a balanced diet, and consume appropriate amounts of protein-rich foods, such as eggs and milk, which can help promote recovery.
