Advances and challenges in diagnosis and management of skeletal metastases.

The treatment of metastatic disease remains challenging. The number of patients who will be diagnosed with metastatic bone disease will continue to increase as survival from the primary cancer diagnosis continues to improve. Although it often is impossible to cure these patients, the task of maximizing their quality of life must be met with valiant efforts. Although a large number of medical and technological advances have occurred, perhaps the recognition of the importance of a well-qualified multidisciplinary team approach to treatment of these complex patients has done more to improve the field than any other single achievement. As basic science continues to further unravel potential treatment options, we must not forget this integrated approach and we must embrace "the bench" at the bedside.