Bisphosphonates in the treatment of malignant bone disease

James R. Berenson, Allan Lipton

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

57 Scopus citations

Abstract

Tumor-induced osteolysis or lytic bone disease is mediated by osteoclast activation. Osteoclasts can be activated directly by products produced by tumors or indirectly through other nonmalignant cells. By reducing osteoclastic activity, bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption. Since these agents were shown effective in treating other diseases associated with increased bone resorption, including cancer-related hypercalcemia and Paget's disease of bone, studies have been initiated to explore the use of bisphosphonates in patients with osteolytic bone metastases. Recent large randomized double-blind studies show the efficacy of these agents in reducing skeletal complications in patients with bone metastases from both breast cancer and multiple myeloma.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)237-248
Number of pages12
JournalAnnual Review of Medicine
Volume50
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 17 1999

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

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