Bisphosphonates to reduce bone mets
I’d like to share something that I’ve learned from my oncologist.
Bisphosphonates are used to reduce bone density loss in people who are being treated with AI for estrogen receptive breast cancer. One type of Bisphosphonate is zoledronic acid and is sold among other brand names as ‘aclasta’ and given as an injection.
My bone density scan came back with amazing results - not a sign of osteoporosis at all, not even osteoperitic - however, my oncologist has been following the research that shows that giving zoledronic acid as part of adjuvant breast cancer treatment before there’s any indication of bone density loss, can reduce the chance of recurrence of the cancer as bone mets, particularly in post menopausal women. So off I go to get an aclasta injection.
The most volatile side effect (though incredibly rare) is something called osteo necrosis of the jaw, so I had to get the all-clear from my dentist first.
Here’s some research. Worth asking your oncologist if you feel you fit into the category that might benefit.
https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/research/adjuvant-bisphosphonates-meta-analysis
Bisphosphonates are used to reduce bone density loss in people who are being treated with AI for estrogen receptive breast cancer. One type of Bisphosphonate is zoledronic acid and is sold among other brand names as ‘aclasta’ and given as an injection.
My bone density scan came back with amazing results - not a sign of osteoporosis at all, not even osteoperitic - however, my oncologist has been following the research that shows that giving zoledronic acid as part of adjuvant breast cancer treatment before there’s any indication of bone density loss, can reduce the chance of recurrence of the cancer as bone mets, particularly in post menopausal women. So off I go to get an aclasta injection.
The most volatile side effect (though incredibly rare) is something called osteo necrosis of the jaw, so I had to get the all-clear from my dentist first.
Here’s some research. Worth asking your oncologist if you feel you fit into the category that might benefit.
https://www.cancer.gov/types/breast/research/adjuvant-bisphosphonates-meta-analysis
