Role of Bone-Modifying Agents in Metastatic Breast Cancer: An American Society of Clinical Oncology-Cancer Care Ontario Focused Guideline Update

J Clin Oncol. 2017 Dec 10;35(35):3978-3986. doi: 10.1200/JCO.2017.75.4614. Epub 2017 Oct 16.

Abstract

Purpose To update, in collaboration with Cancer Care Ontario (CCO), key recommendations of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) guideline on the role of bone-modifying agents (BMAs) in metastatic breast cancer. This focused update addressed the new data on intervals between dosing and the role of BMAs in control of bone pain. Methods A joint ASCO-CCO Update Committee conducted targeted systematic literature reviews to identify relevant studies. Results The Update Committee reviewed three phase III noninferiority trials of dosing intervals, one systematic review and meta-analysis of studies of de-escalation of BMAs, and two randomized trials of BMAs in control of pain secondary to bone metastases. Recommendations Patients with breast cancer who have evidence of bone metastases should be treated with BMAs. Options include denosumab, 120 mg subcutaneously, every 4 weeks; pamidronate, 90 mg intravenously, every 3 to 4 weeks; or zoledronic acid, 4 mg intravenously every 12 weeks or every 3 to 4 weeks. The analgesic effects of BMAs are modest, and they should not be used alone for bone pain. The Update Committee recommends that the current standard of care for supportive care and pain management-analgesia, adjunct therapies, radiotherapy, surgery, systemic anticancer therapy, and referral to supportive care and pain management-be applied. Evidence is insufficient to support the use of one BMA over another. Additional information is available at www.asco.org/breast-cancer-guidelines and www.asco.org/guidelineswiki .

Publication types

  • Practice Guideline

MeSH terms

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Bone Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Clinical Trials, Phase III as Topic
  • Denosumab / therapeutic use
  • Diphosphonates / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Imidazoles / therapeutic use
  • Pamidronate
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Zoledronic Acid

Substances

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Diphosphonates
  • Imidazoles
  • Denosumab
  • Zoledronic Acid
  • Pamidronate