Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner (AOCNP) Certification Practice Test

Which treatment is commonly used to manage symptoms associated with metastatic bone destruction?

1. Targeted therapy

2. Bisphosphonates

3. Immunotherapy

4. Chemotherapy

The correct answer is: Bisphosphonates

Bisphosphonates are specifically designed to address issues related to bone health, making them a preferred treatment option for managing symptoms associated with metastatic bone destruction. These medications work by inhibiting osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, which is often exacerbated in patients with metastatic cancer. By doing so, bisphosphonates help to stabilize the bone structure, reduce the risk of fractures, and alleviate pain associated with bone metastases. They are particularly effective in conditions like multiple myeloma and breast cancer, where bone metastasis is common. Other treatment options, although valuable in their own right, do not directly target the management of symptoms from metastatic bone destruction. For example, targeted therapies and immunotherapies primarily focus on attacking cancer cells or enhancing the immune response against cancer. Chemotherapy, while it can reduce tumor burden overall, may not provide the same specific benefits to bone integrity and pain relief as bisphosphonates do. Thus, bisphosphonates stand out as the optimal choice in such scenarios for symptom management related to metastatic bone involvement.