Cancer Treatment-Induced Bone Loss In Patients With Non-Metastatic Breast Cancer
Adjuvant hormonal therapy for women with breast cancer is any treatment given after primary therapy to increase the chance of long-term survival. In breast cancer this includes aromatase inhibitors (AIs), which are designated to reduce estrogen concentrations in the body, but can also accelerate bone loss and increase the risk of fracture. Bone loss due to AIs is also known as cancer treatment-induced bone loss (CTIBL). Since women treated for adjuvant breast cancer with AIs are often over 65 and may have osteoporosis or pre-existing bone loss, AI therapy places them at an even greater risk of bone loss and fracture.2
Once a patient has a fracture, there is an increased risk for additional fractures.3 In many cases, bone loss is not even detected until the patient has a fracture.4 The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recognizes the risk of bone loss due to age and/or treatment in women with breast cancer and recommends regular assessment of bone health in this population.5
The rate of CTIBL in women with breast cancer is unknown and depends on several factors, including the cancer therapy administered and the level of ovarian function.7
