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PubMed2005

Bisphosphonates for breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Bone is the most common site of metastatic disease associated with breast cancer affecting more than half of women during the course of their disease. Bone metastases are a significant cause of morbidity due to pain, pathological fractures, hypercalcaemia and spinal cord compression, and contribute to mortality. Bisphosphonates, which inhibit osteoclast-mediated bone resorption, are standard care for tumour-associated hypercalcaemia, and have been shown to reduce bone pain, improve quality of life, and to delay skeletal events and reduce their number in patients with multiple myeloma. Several randomized controlled trials have evaluated the role of bisphosphonates in breast cancer. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of bisphosphonates on skeletal events, bone pain, quality of life and survival in women with early and advanced breast cancer. SEARCH STRATEGY: Randomized controlled trials were identified using the specialized register maintained by the Cochrane Breast Cancer Group (the search was applied to the databases Medline, Central/CCTR, Embase, CancerLit, and included handsearches from a number of other relevant sources). See: Cochrane Collaboration Collaborative Review Group in Breast Cancer search strategy. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials evaluating skeletal events in women with metastatic breast cancer and early breast cancer comparing: 1. treatment with a bisphosphonate with the same treatment without a bisphosphonate 2. treatment with one bisphosphonate with treatment with a different bisphosphonate. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Studies were selected by two independent reviewers. Studies fulfilling the eligibility criteria were evaluated for quality, particularly concealment of allocation to randomized groups. Data were extracted from the published papers or abstracts independently by the two primary reviewers for each of the specified endpoints (skeletal events, bone pain, quality of life and survival). Data on skeletal events and survival were presented as numbers of events, risk ratios and ratios of event rates. Meta-analyses were based on the fixed-effects model (Mantel-Haenszel). Subjective qualitative ratings were used to summarize the quality of life and pain data. MAIN RESULTS: Twenty one randomized studies were included. All studies in advanced breast cancer included women with clinically evident bone metastases (osteolytic and/or mixed osteolytic/osteoblastic) by plain xray and/or radionucleotide bone scans. In nine studies that included 2189 women with advanced breast cancer and existing bone metastases, bisphosphonates reduced the risk of developing a skeletal event by 17% (RR 0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.78-0.89; P < 0.00001). This effect was more modest, but still highly significant if episodes of hypercalcaemia were excluded (10 studies, 2656 women, RR 0.85; 95% CI 0.79-0.91 P = 0.0001). Overall, intravenous bisphosphonates reduce the risk of developing a skeletal event by 17 % (95% CI 0.78-0.89) compared with oral bisphosphonates, which reduce the risk of developing a skeletal event by 16 % (95% CI 0.76-0.93). Of the currently available bisphosphonates, 4 mg IV zolendronate reduces the risk of developing a skeletal event by 41% (RR 0.59, 95% CI 0.42-0.82), compared with 33 % by 90 mg IV pamdronate (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.69-0.87), 18 % by 6 mg IV ibandronate (RR 0.82, 95% CI 0.67-1.00), 14 % by 50mg oral ibandronate (RR 0.86, 95% CI 0.73-1.02) and 16 % by 1600 mg oral clodronate (RR 0.84, 95% CI 0.72-0.98). Compared with placebo or no bisphosphonate, with bisphosphonates the skeletal event rate was lower in all of 12 studies in women with clinically evident bone metastases (median reduction of 29%, range 14-48%); statistically significant reductions were reported in 10 trials (four intravenous pamidronate, two oral clodronate, one intravenous ibandronate and two oral ibandronate, a single intravenous zolendronate study). Studies of intravenous zolendronate, pamidronate and oral clodronate in women with advanced breast cancer and clinically evident bone metastases showed significant delays in the median time to a skeletal event. Event-free survival was also reported to be longer in women receiving 6 mg of ibandronate compared with controls. Compared with placebo or no bisphosphonate, with bisphosphonates significant improvements in bone pain were reported in seven studies (90 mg iv pamidronate, 4 mg iv zolendronate, 6 mg iv ibandronate, 1600 mg oral clodronate and 50 mg oral ibandronate). Eight studies tested the effect of bisphosphonates compared with placebo on patient-rated quality of life using a referenced scale. Improvements in global quality of life were reported in only the three studies of iv and oral ibandronate. Treatment with bisphosphonates does not appear to affect survival in women with advanced breast cancer. Intravenous zolendronate (4 mg) appeared to be as effective as pamidronate (90mg) when directly compared in a single randomized double-blind study, based on the risk of developing a skeletal related event, the median time to first skeletal event and skeletal morbidity rate (events per year). Updated re-evaluation of the primary data in the overall population, by multiple event analysis using the method of Anderson-Gill, showed a reduction in the risk of developing any skeletal complication (including hypercalcamia) of 20 % (zolendronate 4 mg compared with pamidronate 90 mg, RR = 0.80, 95% CI 0.66 - 0.97, p = 0.025), suggesting a possible advantage of zolendronate 4 mg compared with pamidronate 90 mg. In the three studies of bisphosphonates in 320 women with advanced breast cancer without clinically evident bone metastases, there was no significant reduction in the incidence of skeletal events (RR 0.99; 95% CI 0.67-1.47; P = 0.97). In the three studies of oral clodronate that included 1653 women with early breast cancer, there was no statistically significant evidence of reduction in the risk of developing skeletal metastases (RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.66-1.01; P = 0.07), or of visceral metastases (RR 0.95; 95% CI 0.80-1.12, p = 0.53). However there was evidence of improved survival (RR 0.82; 95% CI 0.69-0.97, p = 0.02). However there was statistically significant heterogeneity among these studies and a random effects meta-analysis emphasizes the uncertainty of this finding (RR 0.75; 95% CI 0.45 - 1.25; p = 0.19). Toxicity or adverse events were described in 18 of the 21 studies. In general, few serious adverse events were reported. Toxicity associated with bisphosphonates is generally mild and infrequent. Renal toxicity is the main issue with intravenous zolendronate and is dose (8 mg) and infusion time related (< 15 minutes). With daily oral calcium (500 mg) and vitamin D (300-400IU) no significant renal impairment or hypocalcamia was observed with a 15 minute infusion of 4 mg IV zolendronate compared with 90 mg pamidronate. Monitoring of renal function with every cycle of zolendronate was undertaken in all studies and is recommended in practice. No significant renal toxicity was observed with intravenous pamidronate or ibandronate. Mild gastrointestinal toxicity is the main toxicity with oral clodronate and oral ibandronate. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: In women with advanced breast cancer and clinically evident bone metastases, the use of bisphosphonates (oral or intravenous) in addition to hormone therapy or chemotherapy, when compared with placebo or no bisphosphonates, reduces the risk of developing a skeletal event and the skeletal event rate, as well as increasing the time to skeletal event. Some bisphosphonates may also reduce bone pain in women with advanced breast cancer and clinically evident bone metastases and may improve global quality of life. The optimal timing of initiation of bisphosphonate therapy and duration of treatment is uncertain. In women with early breast cancer the effectiveness of bisphosphonates remains an open question for research.

Administration, Oral↗
PubMed2006

Anticancer effects of zoledronic acid against human osteosarcoma cells.

Based on neoadjuvant chemotherapy, the prognosis of osteosarcoma patients has improved dramatically. However, due to therapy resistance in patient subgroups, the development of new treatment strategies is still of utmost importance. The aim of our study was to test the effects of the nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate zoledronic acid (ZOL) on osteosarcoma cell lines (N = 9). Exposure to ZOL at low micromolar concentrations induced a dose- and time-dependent block of DNA synthesis and cell cycle progression followed by microfilament breakdown and apoptosis induction. The ZOL-induced cell cycle accumulation in S phase was accompanied by significant changes in the expression of cyclins and cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors with a prominent loss of cyclin E and D1. ZOL not only inhibited growth but also migration of osteosarcoma cells. The mevalonate pathway intermediary geranyl-geraniol (GGOH) but not farnesol (FOH) significantly inhibited the anticancer effects of ZOL against osteosarcoma cells. Correspondingly, ZOL sensitivity correlated with the blockade of protein geranylgeranylation indicated by unprenylated Rap1. Overexpression of even high levels of P-glycoprotein, as frequently present in therapy-resistant osteosarcomas, did not impair the anticancer activity of ZOL. Summarizing, our data suggest that ZOL, which selectively accumulates in the bone, represents a promising agent to improve osteosarcoma therapy.

ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily B, Mem↗
PubMed2003

Utilization of palliative radiotherapy for breast cancer patients with bone metastases treated with bisphosphonates-Toronto Sunnybrook Regional Cancer Centre experience.

BACKGROUND: The use of both bisphosphonates and palliative radiotherapy for the prevention and treatment of skeletal complications in women with bone metastases from breast cancer is well established. We undertook an evaluation of palliative radiotherapy utilization rates in breast cancer patients who received bisphosphonates for the treatment of bone metastases in a major Canadian cancer center. METHODS: Charts and electronic files of breast cancer patients with bone metastases who had received either clodronate or pamidronate at any time between January 2000 and December 2001 at our center were retrospectively reviewed. The utilization rates of palliative radiotherapy in these patients were examined. RESULTS: The percentage of patients receiving bisphosphonates for the treatment of bone metastases who also received palliative radiotherapy to bone remained relatively constant over our study period in the range of 70%. In patients commenced on bisphosphonates before 1998, 42.9% received palliative radiotherapy as initial therapy for bone metastases, whereas in 2001 only 27.8% of patients received palliative radiotherapy before commencing bisphosphonate therapy. There has been a marked improvement in the time between the diagnosis of bone metastases and the commencement of bisphosphonates from a median of 446 days before 1998 to 21 days in 2001. At the same time, there was also an improvement in time between diagnosis of bone metastases and initiation of palliative radiotherapy from a median of 265 days before 1998 to 49 days in 2001. CONCLUSION: Use of bisphosphonates has not reduced the utilization rates of palliative radiotherapy in breast cancer patients with bone metastases. There is a trend of initiating bisphosphonates before delivery of palliative radiotherapy. The latter was also delivered earlier in the course of bone metastases.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Bisphosphonates for malignancy-related bone disease: current status, future developments.

This review relates to the efficacy and safety of bisphosphonates in metastatic bone disease. It discusses practical recommendations and possible future indications for bisphosphonate therapy. The current aims of bisphosphonates for metastatic bone disease are to prevent skeletal-related events (SREs), reduce bone pain and improve quality of life. Phase III clinical trials of clodronate and pamidronate have established their efficacy against bone complications in patients with breast cancer and multiple myeloma, while randomized trials have shown SRE reductions with zoledronic acid in patients with breast cancer and multiple myeloma, prostate cancer, and lung and other solid tumors. These bisphosphonates also have some effect on metastatic bone pain. Ibandronate is a new aminobisphosphonate, available in more than 40 countries outside of the US as intravenous and oral formulations for the prevention of skeletal events in patients with breast cancer and bone metastases. Phase III studies have shown that both intravenously and orally administered ibandronate have efficacy for the prevention of skeletal events and for the reduction of metastatic bone pain. In addition to efficacy, the long-term tolerability of bisphosphonates in metastatic bone disease influences drug selection. Besides their use in patients with established bone metastases, recent and ongoing research suggests that bisphosphonates also have clinical benefit in the adjuvant setting, and for the treatment of cancer-treatment-induced bone loss. Such interesting new developments may underpin a new era of bisphosphonate use sometime in the near future.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed2004

Prevention and management of osteoporosis in women with breast cancer and men with prostate cancer.

Advances in cancer treatment have resulted in improved life expectancies for survivors of breast and prostate cancer. As the number of cancer survivors grows, the long-term side effects of treatment play an increasingly prominent role in the routine care of these patients. Due to similar management approaches, survivors of breast and prostate cancer are at increased risk for osteoporosis. This review summarizes the prevention and management of osteoporosis and osteopenia resulting from cancer treatment in survivors of breast and prostate cancer.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗
PubMed2005

Incadronate inhibits aminopeptidase N expression in prostatic PC-3 cells.

Bone metastasis is an important cause of morbidity in advanced prostate cancer. Bisphosphonates are widely used for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis, but recently have been observed to be effective in controlling prostate cancer metastasis. Since aminopeptidase N (AP-N) is known to be involved in the metastasis of prostate cancer, we investigated the effect of bisphosphonate on AP-N expression. Incadronate induced inhibition of AP-N mRNA and protein expression in PC-3 cells. The inhibitory effect of AP-N mRNA expression was also observed in the cells treated with pravastatin and other nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates, which inhibit the key enzyme in the isoprenoid biosynthesis pathway. The decrease of AP-N mRNA expression induced by incadronate was inhibited by co-incubation with geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP). Moreover, GGTI-286 treatment also resulted in reduced AP-N mRNA expression. The translocation of small G protein Rap1 from the cytosol to the membrane was inhibited by incadronate and pravastatin, respectively. These above results indicate that the decrease in AP-N expression elicited by bisphosphonate is related to the inhibition of the mevalonate pathway.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed2005

Anti-tumour activity of zoledronic acid.

Bisphosphonates are proven to be effective in the treatment of benign or malignant skeletal diseases characterized by enhanced osteoclastic bone resorption. Nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates (N-BPs) have also been demonstrated to exhibit direct anti-tumour effects. They not only inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis in cultured cancer cells, but additionally interfere with adhesion of cancer cells to the bone matrix and inhibit cell migration and invasion. These effects are potentiated when N-BPs are combined with anticancer drugs like taxoids, doxorubicin or imatinib. Zoledronic acid is a highly potent N-BP that has been particularly well investigated, preclinically and in clinical practice. Growing preclinical evidence shows that zoledronic acid also exhibits direct anti-tumour activity. The overall effects on tumour cells appear to be mediated via diverse pathways, such as apoptosis, angiostasis, cell-cell-interactions and immunomodulation. The current insights and fronts of ongoing research are reviewed. Higher doses of zoledronic acid or more frequent applications than currently approved may be required to achieve clinically meaningful anti-tumour effects. The future challenge is to focus on optimizing dosing regimens and drug combinations to maximize the anti-tumour potential of zoledronic acid and to take advantage of the observed synergy with standard neoplastic agents.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Moving into the future: treatment of bone metastases and beyond.

In various common cancers, the skeleton is a preferred site of metastasis. It is also threatened by bone loss resulting from anti-cancer therapy. Like bone metastases in advanced cancer, cancer treatment induced bone loss (CTIBL) substantially increases fracture risk and dramatically decreases quality of life and patient autonomy. Both chemotherapy and endocrine deprivation therapy (EDT) can significantly decrease bone mineral density (BMD). This is aggravated by the often long duration of EDT, particularly in the adjuvant setting. Cumulative bone loss can put patients at risk of osteopenia and osteoporosis. With their known efficacy in preventing skeletal complications in metastatic disease, bisphosphonates (BP) lend themselves to exploring their extended use, notably in preventing CTIBL. Clinical trials have shown BPs to effectively prevent and treat CTIBL, for which they are recommended by ASCO guidelines. Whether BPs also have the potential to prevent metastatic dissemination to bone remains to be determined. Zoledronic acid, a third-generation BP with a favourable efficacy/safety record, was shown by ongoing large clinical trials to not only prevent or reduce CTIBL in early stage cancer, but to actually increase BMD. The current evidence of the potential of zoledronic acid in addressing CTIBL and preventing bone metastases is reviewed.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed2005

Zoledronic acid to prevent skeletal complications in cancer: corroborating the evidence.

Bone metastases are a major cause of cancer morbidity. Bone metastases are associated with pain, fractures, spinal cord compression, ineffective haematopoiesis, and hypocalcaemia of malignancy. The goals of treatment for bone metastases are to prevent disease-related skeletal complications, palliate pain, and maintain quality of life. Bisphosphonates are a standard part of supportive care for patients with bone metastases. Zoledronic acid, a nitrogen containing third generation bisphosphonate, is the most active and is the most thoroughly investigated bisphosphonate for metastatic bone disease. The efficacy and safety of zoledronic acid has been established in three pivotal prospective, randomized controlled trials involving more than 3000 subjects. The evidence is reviewed here with a focus on clinical relevance. Across a broad array of tumour types, zoledronic acid (4 mg intravenously over 15 min every 3-4 weeks) decreased the frequency of skeletal-related events, delayed the time to a first skeletal-related event, and reduced pain. Zoledronic acid is more effective than pamidronate in breast cancer and the only bisphosphonate proven effective for metastatic prostate cancer, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma and other solid tumours.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed2006

Myeloma bone disease and treatment options.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B-cell malignancy characterized by enhanced bone loss commonly associated with a diffuse osteopenia, focal lytic lesions, pathologic fractures, hypercalcemia, and bony pain. Bone destruction in MM results from asynchronous bone turnover wherein increased osteoclastic bone resorption is not accompanied by a comparable increase in bone formation. Recent characterization of osteoclast-activating factors (OAFs), receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB (RANK) ligand (RANKL)-osteoprotegerin-RANK system, and inhibitors of Wnt signaling have provided a better understanding of myeloma bone disease in molecular level. The development of minimally invasive surgical procedures such as kyphoplasty and vertebroplasty allows myeloma patients with vertebral compression fractures to have immediate improvement in quality of life and shorter hospital stays. Monthly intravenous infusion of either pamidronate or zoledronic acid have reduced the skeletal complications among MM patients and are now a mainstay of myeloma therapy. Orally administered bisphosphonates, in contrast, have shown little ability to slow the development of skeletal complications in these patients. Although pre-clinical studies suggest nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates have potent anti-tumor effects, clinical trials will be necessary, probably at higher doses given more slowly, to establish their possible anti-tumor effects clinically. As our understanding of the pathophysiology of myeloma bone disease continues to increase, new target therapies will continue to emerge offering new and more advanced options for the management of myeloma bone disease.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed2005

Bisphosphonate-induced exposed bone (osteonecrosis/osteopetrosis) of the jaws: risk factors, recognition, prevention, and treatment.

PURPOSE: Bisphosphonates inhibit bone resorption and thus bone renewal by suppressing the recruitment and activity of osteoclasts thus shortening their life span. Recently three bisphosphonates, Pamidronate (Aredia; Novartis Pharmaceuticals, East Haven, NJ), Zoledronate (Zometa; Novartis Pharmaceuticals), and Alendronate (Fosamax; Merck Co, West Point, VA) have been linked to painful refractory bone exposures in the jaws. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred-nineteen total cases of bisphosphonate-related bone exposure were reviewed. RESULTS: Thirty-two of 119 patients (26%) received Aredia, 48 (40.3%) received Zometa, 36 (30.2%) received Aredia later changed to Zometa, and 3 (2.5%) received Fosamax. The mean induction time for clinical bone exposure and symptoms was 14.3 months for those who received Aredia, 12.1 months for those who received both, 9.4 months for those who received Zometa, and 3 years for those who received Fosamax. Sixty-two (52.1%) were treated for multiple myeloma, 50 (42%) for metastatic breast cancer, 4 (3.4%) for metastatic prostate cancer and 3 (2.5%) for osteoporosis. Presenting findings in addition to exposed bone were 37 (31.1%) asymptomatic, 82 (68.9%) with pain, 28 (23.5%) mobile teeth, and 21 (17.6%) with nonhealing fistulas. Eighty-one (68.1%) bone exposures occurred in the mandible alone, 33 (27.7%) in the maxilla, and 5 (4.2%) occurred in both jaws. Medical comorbidities included the malignancy itself 97.5%, previous and/or maintenance chemotherapy 97.5%, Dexamethasone 59.7%. Dental comorbidities included the presence of periodontitis 84%, dental caries 28.6%, abscessed teeth 13.4% root canal treatments 10.9%, and the presence of mandibular tori 9.2%. The precipitating event that produced the bone exposures were spontaneous 25.2%, tooth removals 37.8%, advanced periodontitis 28.6%, periodontal surgery 11.2%, dental implants 3.4% and root canal surgery 0.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Complete prevention of this complication in not currently possible. However, pre-therapy dental care reduces this incidence, and non-surgical dental procedures can prevent new cases. For those who present with painful exposed bone, effective control to a pain free state without resolution of the exposed bone is 90.1% effective using a regimen of antibiotics along with 0.12% chlorohexidine antiseptic mouth.

Abscess↗
PubMed2006

Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis: a long-term complication of bisphosphonate treatment.

We present current knowledge of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis, a new oral complication in oncology. It was first described in 2003, and hundreds of cases have been reported worldwide. The disorder affects patients with cancer on bisphosphonate treatment for multiple myeloma or bone metastasis from breast, prostate, or lung cancer. Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis is characterised by the unexpected appearance of necrotic bone in the oral cavity. Osteonecrosis can develop spontaneously or after an invasive surgical procedure such as dental extraction. Patients might have severe pain or be asymptomatic. Symptoms can mimic routine dental problems such as decay or periodontal disease. Intravenous use of pamidronate and zoledronic acid is associated with most cases. Other risk factors include duration of bisphosphonate treatment (ie, 36 months and longer), old age in patients with multiple myeloma, and a history of recent dental extraction. We also discuss pathobiology, clinical features, management, and future directions for the disorder.

Antineoplastic Agents↗
PubMed2006

Anabolic agents: a new chapter in the management of osteoporosis.

Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women has until now been treated with antiresorptive agents, reducing the incidence of fragility fracture by approximately 50%. Clinical research has led to the development of new anabolic therapies capable of increasing the production of bone matrix by osteoblasts and reversing microarchitectural deterioration, resulting in major improvements in both bone quality and bone quantity. Teriparatide, a recombinant human parathyroid hormone consisting of the first 34 of 84 amino acids in human parathyroid hormone, has been shown to reduce significantly the risk of both vertebral and non-vertebral fractures in postmenopausal women. This agent was recently approved for use in Canada. Strontium ranelate is a new oral agent capable of uncoupling bone resorption from bone formation, which results in increases in bone formation with reductions in bone resorption. This agent has also been shown to reduce the risk of both vertebral and non-vertebral fracture while improving bone structure. Anabolic therapies represent a major advance in the management of postmenopausal osteoporosis, and they may provide significant benefit to those patients with severe osteoporosis in whom antiresorptive therapy has proven insufficient. Anabolic therapies should complement the antiresorptive treatments currently available for use in women with postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Anabolic Agents↗
PubMed2006

Clinical aspects and management of bisphosphonates-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws.

OBJECTIVE: An increasing incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) in patients treated with intravenous bisphosphonates has been reported in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical aspects, diagnostic investigations, and management of ONJ associated with bisphosphonates in a series of 12 patients. METHOD: Our patients included 1 asymptomatic and 11 symptomatic subjects. For the symptomatic patients, the osteonecrosis was diagnosed through histological investigations of exposed bone that showed avascular and necrotic tissue with inflammatory infiltrate. The patients were complaining of swelling, fever, and bone exposure involving the jaws. The asymptomatic patient presented as an occasional finding during a routine dental examination and the necrosis was confirmed on the basis of imaging investigations. Radiographic, scintigraphic, and microbiological examinations were carried out for all patients. Treatment included antibiotics, minor surgical interventions, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy. RESULTS: The radiological investigations revealed osteolytic areas and the scintigraphy demonstrated increased bone metabolism. The microbiological analysis showed pathogenic micro-organisms in the majority of patients. Therapy was useful in obtaining short-term symptomatic relief. CONCLUSIONS: Histological, radiological, nuclear medicine, and microbiological investigations are important diagnostic tools for patients with bisphosphonates-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws. However, a long-term follow-up is necessary if we are to better understand the treatment outcome.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Assessment of renal toxicity and osteonecrosis of the jaws in patients receiving zoledronic acid for bone metastasis.

BACKGROUND: Bisphosphonates (BP) decrease the incidence of skeletal related events among cancer patients with bone metastases from solid tumors and multiple myeloma. Renal safety and osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) are two major concerns of toxicity. Information about safety of using BP beyond 2 years is scarce. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients receiving zoledronic acid (ZA) at the time of the study were reviewed. Serum creatinine levels (SCL) were collected at three different moments: before the start of BP (baseline), at the time of analysis (final), and the highest SCL during the treatment (highest). Oral examination was carried out in every patient. Separated analysis was made for patients on BP for >2 years. Concomitant risk factors for both renal toxicity and ONJ were evaluated. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients were included. Median time of BP was 22 months, with 22 patients receiving BP for >2 years. Median baseline and final values of SCL were 0.71 mg/dl and 0.70 mg/dl, respectively (P = 0.121). Median highest SCL during treatment was 0.82 mg/dl (P <0.0001). A notable increase in the SCL was observed in six of the 67 patients (9%), four of them receiving BP for >2 years (P = 0.085). ONJ was also diagnosed in six patients, four of them in the group of prolonged BP treatment. CONCLUSION: ZA showed to be safe with a low rate of reversible renal toxicity. Patients receiving BP should be monitored carefully for renal toxicity and ONJ, especially those with exposure to BP beyond 2 years.

Adult↗