Breast Cancer Treatment and Bone Loss

In women, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and the second-most common cause of cancer deaths.¹ Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are recommended as the standard of care for postmenopausal women with early-stage hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer.²

Clinical trials have shown that AIs improve disease-free survival compared with tamoxifen in this population of postmenopausal patients with breast cancer.^3,4 Side effects such as thromboembolic events and uterine cancer are reduced with AIs, while bone loss is increased.^2,5,6

These findings have led the National Comprehensive Cancer Network and American Society of Clinical Oncology to recommend bone health monitoring for all patients receiving AI therapy.^2,7


Read more about:

• Decreasing BMD and increasing fracture risk
• Impact of bone loss and fractures in women
• Breast cancer, bone metastases, and skeletal-related events

References:

1. Jemal A, Siegel R, Ward E, et al. Cancer statistics, 2008. CA Cancer J Clin. 2008;58:71-96.
2. National Comprehensive Cancer Network. NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Breast cancer. V.I.2009.
3. Baum M, Buzdar, Cuzick, J, et al; The ATAC (Arimidex, Tamoxifen Alone or in Combination) Trialists' Group. Anastrozole alone or in combination with tamoxifen versus tamoxifen alone for adjuvant treatment of postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer: results of the ATAC (Arimidex, Tamoxifen Alone or in Combination) trial efficacy and safety update analyses. Cancer. 2003;98(9):1802-1810.
4. Goss PE, Ingle JN, Martino S, et al. Randomized trial of letrozole following tamoxifen as extended adjuvant therapy in receptor-positive breast cancer: updated findings from NCIC CTG MA.17. J Natl Cancer Inst. 2005;97(17):1262-1271.
5. Eastell R, Adams JE, Coleman RE, et al. Effect of anastrozole on bone mineral density: 5-year results from the anastrozole, tamoxifen, alone or in combination trial 18233230. J Clin Oncol. 2008;26:1051-1058.
6. Eastell R, Hannon RA, Cuzick J, et al. Effect of an aromatase inhibitor on BMD and bone turnover markers: 2-year results of the anastrozole, tamoxifen, alone or in combination (ATAC) trial (18233230). J Bone Miner Res. 2006;21:1215-1223.
7. Hillner BE, Ingle JN, Rowan T, et al. American Society of Clinical Oncology 2003 update on the role of bisphosphonates and bone health issues in women with breast cancer. J Clin Oncol. 2003;21:4042-4057.