Active not recruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Management of Bone Metastases

This study explores how we manage bone problems, called bone metastases, in people with cancer. Bone metastases can cause painful breaks, spine issues, and severe bone pain. There are special medicines, like denosumab and bisphosphonates, that can help prevent these problems. We know these medicines work well, but a previous UK study suggested they aren't always used as much as they could be. This research aims to take a closer look at patient records in one hospital to understand why. We want to see who gets these treatments, if they help, and how they affect patients' lives, so we can improve care for everyone with cancer and bone issues.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Sponsor

Hospices Civils de Lyon

Enrolment target

900

Start

15 Mar 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2025

Cancer Bone Metastases

What is this study about?

When cancer spreads to the bones, it's called bone metastases. This can lead to serious problems like bones breaking easily, pressure on the spinal cord, or severe pain. To help prevent these issues, doctors often use special medicines, like denosumab and bisphosphonates. These treatments are known to strengthen bones and significantly reduce the chance of these bone-related problems. We think it's really important to make sure these effective treatments are used in the best way possible for everyone who needs them.

We already know that these medicines can make a big difference for people with different types of cancer. However, a previous study in the UK found that only a small number of patients with bone metastases were actually receiving these important treatments. This suggests there might be a gap between what we know works and what's happening in practice.

This new study aims to get a clearer picture of this situation. We'll be looking closely at detailed patient information from one hospital, the Lyon Sud Hospital. By doing this, we can understand more about who is receiving these treatments, who isn't, and how these decisions affect their health and well-being. Our goal is to gather better information to help improve how we care for patients with cancer and bone metastases, making sure more people get the benefit of these treatments.

Key takeaways

This study explores how cancer spreading to bones (bone metastases) is managed.
It aims to understand how often bone-strengthening medicines are used in practice.
The goal is to improve care for people with cancer and bone problems.
You won't receive new treatments; researchers will review existing medical records.
This research could benefit future patients by improving treatment guidelines.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults who have cancer that has spread to their bones, called bone metastases. We are also interested in people who have had specific bone problems because of their cancer, such as a broken bone that wasn't caused by an accident, pressure on their spine, or severe bone pain that needed treatment.

However, there are some reasons why someone might not be able to join the study. If you were in the hospital for a type of bone cancer called sarcoma during the study period, you wouldn't be able to take part. Also, if your broken bone was due to fragile bones (osteoporosis) and not your cancer, you wouldn't be included.

Other reasons for not being able to join include if you are under legal guardianship, are under 18 years old, or haven't been part of the social security system for at least three years before your bone metastases were diagnosed. If you were diagnosed with bone metastases in the last year before the study began, you would also not be eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you an adult (18 years or older)?
Have you been diagnosed with cancer that has spread to your bones?
Have you experienced bone problems (like a broken bone not from an accident, or severe bone pain) due to cancer?
Were your bone problems not caused by osteoporosis (fragile bones)?
Did you get your bone metastases diagnosis more than a year ago?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study does not involve new treatments, extra appointments, or changing your current medical care. Researchers will simply be looking at existing medical records and information that is already collected as part of your routine care. This means you do not need to do anything differently or attend any extra visits. Your participation is about allowing researchers to anonymously review your past medical journey to understand trends in treatment and outcomes. There are no medications to take, and no specific follow-up appointments related to this study. The total 'duration' of your participation is simply the time it takes for researchers to review your existing records.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct medical benefits or risks to you as an individual for taking part in this study, as it only involves reviewing existing medical records. You will not receive any new treatments or extra care. However, the information gathered could help improve care for future patients with cancer and bone metastases. Your medical information will be kept confidential, and your identity will be protected. You have the right to decline to have your records included in the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (2)

Brest University Hospital
Verified postcode
Brest, France
Lyon Sud hospital, Hospices Civils de Lyon
Verified postcode
Lyon, France

Common questions

What are bone metastases?

Bone metastases are when cancer cells spread from their original location to the bones. This can cause pain and make bones weaker.

What are bone-targeted treatments?

These are special medicines, like denosumab and bisphosphonates, that help strengthen bones and prevent problems caused by cancer spreading to them.

Will I get new medicine if I'm in this study?

No, this study only looks at your existing medical records. You won't receive any new medicines or treatments because of it.

Is my personal information safe?

Yes, your medical information will be kept confidential, and your identity will be protected when used for this research.

Why is this study important?

It helps us understand if important bone-strengthening treatments are being used effectively and how they impact patients, so we can improve care in the future.