Challenges in the management of bone metastases: focus on differentiated thyroid cancer and neuroendocrine tumors

J Endocr Soc. 2026 Mar 25;10(5):bvag065. doi: 10.1210/jendso/bvag065. eCollection 2026 May.

Abstract

Bone metastases represent an uncommon but clinically significant complication in endocrine malignancies including differentiated thyroid cancer and neuroendocrine tumors. Although these malignancies typically follow an indolent course, the development of bone metastases is associated with a worse prognosis and increased risk of skeletal-related events. The optimal strategies for the prevention and management of bone metastases in these patients remain unclear and are largely extrapolated from studies in other solid tumors. This presents a unique clinical challenge as treatment decisions need to balance the prevention of skeletal-related events against the potential risks of prolonged antiresorptive therapy in patients expected to have a long survival time. This article reviews the clinical complexities involved in managing bone metastases in differentiated thyroid cancer and neuroendocrine tumors. The clinical cases presented highlight key considerations to guide clinical decision-making when treating these specific patient populations.

Keywords: antiresorptive; bisphosphonate; bone metastases; neuroendocrine tumors; skeletal-related events; thyroid cancer.