Cancer treatment-induced bone loss in premenopausal women: A need for therapeutic intervention?

P. Hadji, M. Gnant, J. J. Body, N. J. Bundred, A. Brufsky, R. E. Coleman, T. A. Guise, A. Lipton, M. S. Aapro

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

67 Scopus citations

Abstract

Current clinical treatment guidelines recommend cytotoxic chemotherapy, endocrine therapy, or both (with targeted therapy if indicated) for premenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer, depending on the biologic characteristics of the primary tumor. Some of these therapies can induce premature menopause or are specifically designed to suppress ovarian function and reduce circulating estrogen levels. In addition to bone loss associated with low estrogen levels, cytotoxic chemotherapy may have a direct negative effect on bone metabolism. As a result, cancer treatment-induced bone loss poses a significant threat to bone health in premenopausal women with breast cancer. Clinical trials of antiresorptive therapies, such as bisphosphonates, have demonstrated the ability to slow or prevent bone loss in this setting. Current fracture risk assessment tools are based on data from healthy postmenopausal women and do not adequately address the risks associated with breast cancer therapy, especially in younger premenopausal women. We therefore recommend that all premenopausal women with breast cancer be informed about the potential risk of bone loss prior to beginning anticancer therapy. Women who experience amenorrhea should have bone mineral density assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and receive regular follow-up to monitor bone health. Regular exercise and daily calcium and vitamin D supplementation are recommended. Women with a Z-score <-2.0 or Z-score ≤-1.0 and/or a 5-10% annual decrease in bone mineral density should be considered for bisphosphonate therapy in addition to calcium and vitamin D supplements.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)798-806
Number of pages9
JournalCancer Treatment Reviews
Volume38
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2012

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Oncology
  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cancer treatment-induced bone loss in premenopausal women: A need for therapeutic intervention?'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this