Extended use of intravenous bisphosphonate therapy for the prevention of skeletal complications in patients with cancer.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the incidence of skeletal complications in patients with multiple myeloma, and metastatic breast, prostate, or lung cancers, when therapy with intravenous bisphosphonates is continued for longer than 21 months.


METHODS
The primary outcome was the diagnosis of at least one skeletal-related event (SRE) after 21 months of therapy. The secondary outcome was the incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ).


RESULTS
The primary outcome was 30%. The secondary outcome was 3%, while six patients (5%) were referred to a dentist for suspected ONJ.


CONCLUSIONS
There appears to be a continued benefit when intravenous bisphosphonates are given for longer than 21 months.
Crawford
Brooke S
BS
Department of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University Medical Center, 410 West 10th Avenue, Columbus, OH 43235, USA. bksorgen@hotmail.com
McNulty
Robert M
RM
Kraut
Eric H
EH
Turowski
Robert C
RC
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000556:secondary; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007571:Jaw Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009101:Multiple Myeloma / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000139:chemically induced; D000077268:Pamidronate; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013117:Spinal Cord Compression / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000077211:Zoledronic Acid
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D007093:Imidazoles; D000077211:Zoledronic Acid; D000077268:Pamidronate