Treatment for lung cancer with bone metastases

Bone metastases are cancer deposits that began in the lung and travelled to bone. They can weaken a bone, cause pain, or affect movement. The treatment plan depends on the lung cancer type, its molecular features, where it has spread, previous treatment, general health and the goals you set with the oncology team.

Systemic treatment reaches cancer cells throughout the body. Radiotherapy can focus on a painful or vulnerable area. Bone-strengthening therapy may help reduce skeletal problems, while cancer pain management can address pain alongside cancer treatment.

Ask whether scans are needed to assess bone strength and whether a biopsy or molecular test could guide medicine choices. Tell the team about pain, reduced mobility, numbness, constipation and any fall, even if symptoms seem manageable.

Your clinicians may discuss [Palliative Radiotherapy](/treatments/radiation-oncology/palliative-radiotherapy/), [Bone-Strengthening Therapy](/treatments/supportive-and-palliative-care/bone-strengthening-therapy/) and [Cancer Pain Management](/treatments/supportive-and-palliative-care/cancer-pain-management/). Keep medicines as prescribed and use walking aids or activity changes recommended by your team.

Contact your cancer team promptly for new severe back or neck pain, sudden weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, or loss of bladder or bowel control. These symptoms can signal pressure on the spinal cord and need urgent assessment.

Seek urgent help after a minor injury if a limb or hip becomes suddenly painful, swollen or difficult to use. New confusion, repeated vomiting or marked thirst should also be reported because illness or treatment can disturb body chemistry.

Which treatment is aimed at the lung cancer, and which is aimed at the bones? Could any bone be at risk of breaking? What symptoms should trigger an emergency call? How will pain, mobility and treatment effects be monitored?