Retrospective study of skeletal-related events in patients with bone metastatic melanoma

Metastatic bone disease is estimated to develop in up to 17% of patients with melanoma, comprising skeleton integrity resulting in skeletal-related events, which impair quality of life and reduce survival. A retrospective study at Massachusetts General Hospital (Boston) found that among patients with bone metastatic melanoma, the incidences of skeletal-related events and pathological fracture were 52% and 28% at one year, respectively. Baseline predictors of skeletal-related events at one year were lytic lesions, bone pain, elevated calcium and absolute lymphocyte, and decreased albumin. The authors conclude that the high incidence of skeletal-related events and pathological fracture warrants vigilance using the factors identified in this study and preventive measures during clinical oncological care.