Forum Discussion

jennyzim's avatar
jennyzim
Member
10 years ago

Acalstia for breast cancer. Bone metastasis

After  being diagnosed with stage 2 malignant invasive ductal breast cancer. I had the usual surgery, chemo, radiotherapy and tamoxifen. I was also diagnosed with osteoporosis with a T score of - 3.7. My oncologist has recently treated me with aclastia.  Not only to treat the osteoporosis but he claims latest research shows it slows down bone metastasis in women with breast cancer. He said it reduces the risk of reoccurrence and increases rate of survival after breast cancer. He would like to give it to all his breast cancer patients but at present it has not been approved. Unless you have a fracture or are on steroids. Does anyone else have any more information on this.?

9 Replies

  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thanks for that. Quite possibly the chemo caused the osteoporosis of the jaw. Hope things improve for her soon.

  • Lisa_BCNA's avatar
    Lisa_BCNA
    Member
    10 years ago

    Hi Jenny,

    It's Lisa from the Policy Team. I just wanted to jump in and say that there is some evidence that bisphosphonates may reduce the risk of a breast cancer recurrence. The U.S. website Breastcancer.org provides further information, which you can find here.

    If this is something you are interested in exploring further, we recommend you talk to you medical oncologist.

    Warm regards,
    Lisa

  • Ne's avatar
    Ne
    Member
    10 years ago

    I wish to rectify my comment made above after confirming with my friend that it wasn't bone strengthening medication that caused her issues with her mouth but apparently the chemotherapy that she was on.  I misunderstood her text and was under the impression that she was already taking bone strengthening meds and all her issues was caused by that.  She is "at risk of osteonecrosis" and have not yet experienced necrosis as stated in my reply.  She is however struggling with loose teeth and sores that wouldn't to heal.  She had exposed jaw bone that has needed a graft.

    My appologies for causing confusion.  Although Bisphosphonate drugs can cause osteonecrosis of the jaw and all the symptoms she is experiencing with her jaw and teeth, she is not currently taking any bisphosphonate drugs as indicated in my response, her mouth/jaw issues were from chemotherapy treatment.

     

  • mum2jj's avatar
    mum2jj
    Member
    10 years ago

    I had aclasta for three years due to osteopenia and fractured ribs post chemo/radiation.  My bone density is improving and I had no jaw problems.  It is a listed side effect though, not very common at all.  I guess it's a matter of weighing up the risks/benefits.

    hugs

    paula xxx

  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    10 years ago

    Yes...all very scary and not to be done lightly. Osteoporosis on its own though can result in loss of teeth and jaw thinning (sometimes this is how people find out )...so which happened 1st would be difficult I guess. If on it this would need regular reviews....possibly by a dentist to watch it and track changes before it gets to that point. Need our eyes open when going in. Kath x

  • Ne's avatar
    Ne
    Member
    10 years ago

    I just stumbled on this article from the Australian Department of Health warning about the serious side effect/risk of "osteonecrosis of the jaw" when using bisphosponates and then realised this is the drug  a friend of mine who is quite young and had breastcancer two years ago with osteoperosis have been using and she has developed osteonecrosis of the jaw which she is having major medical challenges with at the moment. She has loose teeth, exposed bone in her mouth that refuses to heal, failed skin grafts in her mouth and utlimately necrosis of her jaw which is painful and very frightening.  Not to scare you but please talk to your doctor about this as I know she is at wits end due to having to now consult with maxillo facial surgeons and pay thousands of dollars for surgery in her mouth to try and save her from loosing a part of her jaw.  She is petrified of the prospect of amputation.

    Gosh, just horrible that it helps with one thing but then put you at major risk of something else.  Soooo frustrating.

    I will definitely still talk to my onco about this drug and get his opinion.

    https://www.tga.gov.au/alert/bisphosphonate-drugs-and-osteonecrosis-jaw-onj ;

  • primek's avatar
    primek
    Member
    10 years ago

    I was thinking the same. We could possibly get it if we paid for it if didn't qualify. Worthy of asking the question.

  • Ne's avatar
    Ne
    Member
    10 years ago

    Thank you for this post and Kath for the link, I am very interested to hear if this would be something I could be considered for when I see my Oncologist in Sept.  I am at risk of Osteoperosis with low bone density and I am on Aromasin which worsen things.  I see the article says the bisphosphonates can be used to prevent osteoperoris or just aid good bone health with the added benefit of reducing our risk of secondary breast cancer. Which sounds like a great benefit.