title: Aromatase inhibitor-associated bone loss: clinical considerations.
abstract: Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are standard treatments for postmenopausal women with estrogen responsive breast cancers. The mechanism of AIs, inhibition of the aromatase enzyme that causes decreases in endogenous estrogens, is responsible for bone loss and increased fractures. Screening and prevention of AI-induced bone loss closely follows the standard recommendations for postmenopausal osteoporosis. Lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity and weight-bearing exercise, stopping smoking, and taking adequate amounts of daily calcium and vitamin D promote bone and overall health. Bisphosphonates are specific inhibitors of osteoclasts and reduce bone loss in women treated with AIs. The optimal dose administration schedule and duration of bisphosphonate treatment for AI-induced bone loss remains undefined.
authors.affiliation: The Comprehensive Breast Health Services, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solve Research Institute, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio 43210, USA.
authors.forename: Shubham
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Pant
authors.forename: Charles L
authors.initials: CL
authors.lastname: Shapiro
mesh_terms: D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
chemical_list: D047072:Aromatase Inhibitors; D004164:Diphosphonates