Bisphosphonates and breast carcinoma: Present and future

Allan Lipton

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

72 Scopus citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND. Bisphosphonates are analogues of endogenous pyrophosphates in which a carbon atom replaces the central atom of oxygen Bisphosphonates are potent inhibitors of osteoclastic bone resorption and are effective in decreasing the incidence of skeletal complications in breast carcinoma patients with osteolytic bone metastases. METHODS. Zoledronate is a new, potent third-generation bisphosphonate that is 500-1000 times more potent than pamidronate. A Phase II clinical trial of 0.4, 2.0, or 4.0 mg of zoledronate as a 5-minute infusion or 90 mg of pamidronate as a 2-hour infusion recently was completed. In addition, osteoprotegerin (OPG) recently has been identified as a novel, naturally occurring protein that inhibits osteoclast formation. RESULTS. A 5-minute infusion of 2.0 or 4.0 mg of zoledronate is at least as effective as 90 mg of pamidronate in preventing skeletal complications. OPG currently is entering Phase I clinical trials. Finally, tumor cells staining strongly for matrix metalloproteinases are observed in osteolytic pathologic bone fractures secondary to metastatic carcinoma. In many of these lesions frequent tumor cells are observed and osteoclasts are rare. CONCLUSIONS. Bisphosphonate treatment can decrease skeletal events in patients with breast carcinoma that is metastatic to bone. Current trials to improve results further are employing more potent bisphosphonates such as zoledronate and nonbisphosphate inhibitors of osteoclasts such as OPG. An osteoclast-independent phase of bone destruction also deserves further consideration. (C) 2000 American Cancer Society.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)3033-3037
Number of pages5
JournalCancer
Volume88
Issue number12 SUPPL.
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 15 2000

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Oncology
  • Cancer Research

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Bisphosphonates and breast carcinoma: Present and future'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this