Breast
Bisphosphonates - a successful treatment for metastatic bone disease associated with breast cancer
By Cochrane Library
Jul 20, 2005, 15:07

Secondary tumours in bone cause a lot of pain and tissue damage in half the women who have advanced breast cancer, but bisphosphonates can reduce the risk of bone disease in women already undergoing cancer therapy.

Worldwide, breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in women. In these women, bone is the most common site for secondary tumours to take hold and develop. In healthy bones, the structure is constantly being broken down and rebuilt, but bone tumours influence the rate and balance of this cycle. Bisphosphonates slow the process that breaks down bone material.

By searching the world's databases, the Cochrane Review Authors identified 21 high-quality studies that looked at the use of bisphosphonates and met stringent selection criteria. Having pooled the data they concluded that bisphosphonates can reduce the incidence and rate of skeletal damage in women with advanced breast cancer. There was still, however, uncertainty about the best time to start giving these drugs.

"Our research confirms the general feeling that bisphosphonates are important in reducing bone complications in women with breast cancer and bone involvement" says lead author Nick Pavlakis who works in the Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia.

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