Pharmacotherapy of bone metastases in breast cancer patients.
A diagnosis of bone metastases is often a devastating occurrence in breast cancer patients. Bone metastases are associated with increased morbidity as reflected through pain, reduced quality of life and skeletal-related events. This paper reviews the role of different pharmacotherapeutic agents in the treatment of bone metastases from breast cancer. Randomised controlled trials of osteoclast-inhibiting agents, that is the bisphosphonates, have shown significant patient benefit. The aims of bisphosphonates are to prevent and delay skeletal-related events, reduce bone pain and improve quality of life. However, there are some limitations with bisphosphonate treatment. Biochemical markers of bone turnover seem to be a promising tool in guiding bisphosphonate treatment and future research directions. Hopefully, patient management will be further improved as new agents become available such as denosumab, osteoprotegerin analogues and anti-angiogenic agents.
Petrut
Bianca
B
Resident, Internal Medicine University of Toronto, Department of Medicine, 190 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5G2C4, Canada.
Simmons
Christine
C
Broom
Reuben
R
Trinkaus
Mateya
M
Clemons
Mark
M
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000556:secondary*; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology*; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010146:Pain / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D011788:Quality of Life; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates