Abstract
In This Issue...
Bisphosphonates have been in use for approximately 25 years, most commonly to
treat diseases characterized by bone loss, such as osteoporosis.
Bisphosphonates are also used in adjunctive treatment of cancers that involve
bone-related complications. Currently, bisphosphonates are approved only for
the treatment of patients with advanced cancer who have bone metastases, but
researchers are investigating the direct antitumor effects of these agents and
their benefits in treating bone loss resulting from hormonal cancer treatment.
In this report, we present an overview of bisphosphonate treatment, including
a description of bone remodeling, currently available agents, and safety
concerns. We discuss the use of bisphosphonates in the treatment of bone
metastases and bone loss in breast and prostate cancer patients and as
antitumor agents. We also profile emerging nonbisphosphonate agents that
target bone and may pose significant competition for bisphosphonates.
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