The present invention is directed to methods of using compounds that are inhibitors of cysteine proteases, in particular, of both cathepsins S and K and optionally further cathepsins B and/or L in treating bone cancer. The present invention is directed to pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds for treating bone cancer and bone cancer pain, especially the pain associated with metastasis. A single compound can be used to ameliorate the pain, the injury to bone, while also reducing tumor growth, the risk of metastasis and/or invasiveness of the cancer.