Cancer & Oncology2 UKMLA questions
Metastatic bone disease — UKMLA Revision Notes
Metastatic bone disease is an important clinical condition in Cancer & Oncology that is tested in the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test (AKT). Medical students and doctors preparing for the UKMLA or PLAB 1 must understand the pathophysiology, clinical presentation, investigations, and evidence-based management of Metastatic bone disease as outlined in current NICE guidelines.
Key Facts
- Metastatic bone disease is a key condition on the GMC UKMLA Content Map
- Commonly tested in the Cancer & Oncology section of the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test
- Understand the pathophysiology, clinical features, investigations, and management
- NICE guidelines provide the evidence base for management decisions
- Consider differential diagnoses and red flag symptoms in clinical scenarios
Investigations
- CT chest/abdomen/pelvis (staging)
- Tissue biopsy
- Tumour markers
- FBC, LFTs, LDH
- PET scan
- MRI (local staging)
Management
- MDT discussion and staging
- Surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or combination
- Targeted therapy/immunotherapy if indicated
- Palliative care referral if appropriate
- Oncology outpatient follow-up
- Psychological support and survivorship care