Preventing Osteoporotic Fractures in Women Who Receive Aromatase Inhibitors

A cost-effectiveness model suggested bisphosphonates should be used only when BMD assessment shows elevated fracture risk.

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are increasingly used as adjuvant therapy in menopausal women with hormone receptor–positive breast cancer, but they reduce bone mineral density (BMD). Investigators modeled a hypothetical cohort of 60-year-old breast cancer survivors using AIs for 5 years to compare the cost effectiveness of various screening and treatment approaches to fracture prevention. Six approaches were evaluated: no intervention; one-time BMD assessment with bisphosphonate treatment for osteopenia (or osteoporosis); annual BMD testing with bisphosphonate treatment for osteopenia (or osteoporosis); and universal treatment with bisphosphonates. The model generated incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) and quality-adjusted life-years…

Reviewing Author

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Andrew M. Kaunitz, MD

Disclosures

RoyaltiesUpToDate

Grant/Research SupportMerck, Mithra, Medicines360

Editorial BoardsContraception; Menopause; Contraceptive Technology Update; OBG Management; Medscape OB/GYN & Women’s Health

Preventing Osteoporotic Fractures in Women Who Receive Aromatase Inhibitors

Topics

Reviewing Author