Research has shown that bisphosphonates can increase the risk of atypical femur fractures when taken for 5 years or longer. The femur is the large leg bone that runs from your hip to your knee. An atypical fracture means that the bone is broken in an unusual spot. Still, atypical femur fractures are rare -- only about 0. Bisphosphonates also can sometimes cause another rare but serious side effect, osteonecrosis of the jaw, a condition in which the cells in the jawbone start to die.
Researchers think that osteonecrosis of the jaw may develop because bisphosphonates stop the body from repairing microscopic damage to the jawbone that can happen during routine dental procedures or from everyday wear and tear. But it's still not clear why this happens in some people and not in others. Because of the risk of these side effects, doctors wanted to see if women could receive Zometa less often and still get the same benefits.
The women who were being treated with Zometa every 12 weeks actually received an infusion every 4 weeks. The first infusion was Zometa and then on weeks 8 and 12 they received a placebo infusion intravenous fluids that contain no medicine. The researchers wanted to see if women who were treated with Zometa less often had more skeletal-related events due to breast cancer.
After about a year of follow-up, the researchers found that skeletal-related events were about the same in both treatment groups:. There also was no difference between the two treatment groups in how long it took for the women to have a skeletal-related event. This strongly suggests that receiving Zometa every 12 weeks offers the same benefits as receiving it every 4 weeks.
Still, women who got Zometa every 12 weeks tended to have fewer severe side effects. If Zometa or another bisphosphonate is part of your treatment plan, you may want to talk to your doctor about this study and ask if it makes sense for you to get Zometa less frequently after the first year. You can learn much more about Zometa and other medicines used to keep bones strong in the Breastcancer. Create a profile for better recommendations. Breast implant illness BII is a term that some women and doctors use to refer to a wide range Pamidronate Aredia TM is the most widely evaluated bisphosphonate and is recommended for most patients with multiple myeloma or breast cancer with bone metastases.
Current research aims include the evaluation of new potent bisphosphonates such as zoledronic acid Zometa TM. It is hoped that this compound is not only more convenient and easier to administer but also more effective in inhibiting skeletal morbidity. Zometa may also have some direct anticancer activity. Preclinical studies with Zometa have demonstrated its potential in malignant bone disease.
Clinical studies in treatment of hypercalcemia of malignancy have been completed, as have Phase I and II trials in patients with cancer and pre-existing bone metastases. Three randomized, double-blind, controlled Phase III trials are now ongoing to establish the efficacy and safety of Zometa in treatment of bone metastases in patients with osteolytic and osteoblastic lesions.
Additionally, new specific molecules such as osteoprotogerin have been developed that are based on our improved understanding of the cellular signalling mechanisms involved in cancer induced bone disease. These potent molecules are now entering clinical trials.
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