Publication
Adjuvant bisphosphonates in early breast cancer: Consensus guidance for clinical practice from a European Panel
Journal Paper/Review - Dec 17, 2015
Hadji P, Gnant M, Gray R, Harbeck N, Thürlimann Beat, Untch M, Cortes J, Martin M, Albert U-S, Conte P-F, Ejlertsen B, Bergh J, Kaufmann M, Smith I, Dodwell D, Coleman R E, Wilson C, Powles T J, Clézardin P, Aapro M, Costa L, Body J-J, Markopoulos C, Santini D, Diel I, Di Leo A, Cameron D, Holen I
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PubMed
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Citation
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Journal
Publication Date
Issn Electronic
Brief description/objective
UNASSIGNED
Bisphosphonates have been studied in randomised trials in early breast cancer to investigate their ability to prevent cancer treatment induced bone loss and reduce the risk of disease recurrence and metastasis. Treatment benefits have been reported but bisphosphonates do not currently have regulatory approval for either of these potential indications. This consensus paper provides a review of the evidence and offers guidance to breast cancer clinicians on the use of bisphosphonates in early breast cancer.Using the nominal group methodology for consensus a systematic review of the literature was augmented by a workshop held in October 2014 for breast cancer and bone specialists to present and debate the available preclinical and clinical evidence for the use of adjuvant bisphosphonates. This was followed by a questionnaire to all members of the writing committee to identify areas of consensus.The panel recommended that bisphosphonates should be considered as part of routine clinical practice for the prevention of cancer treatment induced bone loss in all patients with a T score of <-2.0 or≥2 clinical risk factors for fracture. Compelling evidence from a meta-analysis of trial data of >18,000 patients supports clinically significant benefits of bisphosphonates on the development of bone metastases and breast cancer mortality in postmenopausal women or those receiving ovarian suppression therapy. Therefore the panel recommends that bisphosphonates (either intravenous zoledronic acid or oral clodronate) are considered as part of the adjuvant breast cancer treatment in this population and the potential benefits and risks discussed with relevant patients.