Adjuvant Bisphosphonates for Patients with Breast Cancer

The use of bisphosphonates as adjuvant therapy can be considered for postmenopausal women with breast cancer who are candidates for systemic therapy.

Sponsoring Organizations: Cancer Care Ontario and the American Society of Clinical Oncology

Target Audience: Oncologists, women's health practitioners

Background

The role of bone-modifying agents (BMAs), including bisphosphonates and the RANK-ligand inhibitor denosumab, is well established for treatment of patients with metastatic bone disease and for reducing the risk for bone fragility fractures in at-risk populations without cancer. More controversial is the role of these agents as a component of adjuvant therapy to reduce risk for recurrence in patients with early-stage breast cancer. However, a recent analysis of individual patient data derived from randomized clinical trials has suggested a role for these agents in postmenopausal women w…

Reviewing Author

William J. Gradishar, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardLilly; AstraZeneca; Gilead

Grant/Research SupportBreast Cancer Research Foundation

Editorial BoardsClinical Breast Cancer; Oncology; Annals of Surgery; Breast Cancer Research and Treatment

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesNational Comprehensive Cancer Network (Chair, Breast Cancer Panel); American Board of Internal Medicine (Medical Oncology Board)