Matthew R. Smith,
MD, PhD

Welcome to the Skeletal Wellness Institute for Cancer™.

This website is about the impact that cancers can have on skeletal wellness when they metastasize to bone. Initially, we will focus on breast cancer, prostate cancer, and multiple myeloma, and the skeletal complications of these advanced diseases; but the Website and its contents will grow and evolve as the virtual Skeletal Wellness Institute it was designed to be. The Institute was founded by a distinguished faculty of international experts. A listing of the faculty can be found in the first navigation screen on the left. The vision of the Institute is to elevate awareness of skeletal wellness in cancer patients, emphasize the need for early preventive treatment, and provide relevant and timely clinical information to help you improve the skeletal wellness of your cancer patients. In 2005, a clinical trials section will be added to keep you up-to-date on prevention and treatment of the skeletal complications of metastatic cancer.

Navigation through the Institute is simple. The buttons to the left will take you to:

• Upcoming events and meetings related to skeletal wellness
• Information on bone, skeletal complications in cancer patients, and an overview of treatment options
• Discussions about breast cancer, prostate cancer, and multiple myeloma, specifically, epidemiology, diagnosis and assessment, clinical manifestations, treatment options, and the practice guidelines that are available for skeletal care.
• A resource is suggested in each of these sections to help with communication between provider and patient

An initial case study is offered for CME credit. Other case studies will be added, so plan to return to the Institute regularly. Full citations are listed for all references used in the Website. For your patients and their caregivers, you may suggest the information offered in the patient portion of the Website, which includes frequently asked questions (FAQs) and Web links where they can find additional information. They may also be interested in the glossary. For your nurse and other health care professionals, CE credit is offered in the Patient Case Log™ and LINK Nurse™ sections.

Communication among peers is essential. Your commentary and suggestions for evolution of the Skeletal Wellness Institute is requested and will be appreciated. Please email us at swi@commonhealth.com.