Aromatase inhibitor adjuvant chemotherapy of breast cancer results in cancer therapy induced bone loss

Curr Osteoporos Rep. 2013 Mar;11(1):61-4. doi: 10.1007/s11914-013-0134-7.

Abstract

Aromatase Inhibitors are anti-estrogen agents that have proven efficacy for adjuvant therapy of estrogen receptor positive breast cancer primarily in post menopausal women with estrogen receptor positive breast cancer but increase the risk of cancer therapy induced bone loss (CTIBL). Recent studies have shown the potential benefit of bisphosphonate therapy to play a dual role in the management of breast cancer. These studies provide evidence that bisphosphonate therapy in conjunction with aromatase inhibitors (AI), not only decreases the risk of osteoporosis but, in addition, may improve survival from breast cancer.

MeSH terms

  • Aromatase Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Aromatase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Breast Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Breast Neoplasms / mortality
  • Chemotherapy, Adjuvant / adverse effects
  • Diphosphonates / therapeutic use
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / chemically induced*
  • Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / epidemiology
  • Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / prevention & control
  • Risk Factors
  • Survival Rate

Substances

  • Aromatase Inhibitors
  • Diphosphonates