- In New Zealand
Breast cancer
Mechanism of action
- Inhibits Osteoclastic Bone Resorption
- Prevent treatment induced osteoporosis, helps with bony pain
- Inhibits development of bony metastases
Adjuvant Effect (Anti-cancer benefits are small)
- May directly affect tumour cells via apoptosis and inhibiting tumour cell growth
- Small disease-free survival advantages seen in post-menopausal women
Indications:
- Osteoporosis (T-score ≤ -2.5) or history of fragility fracture
- Post-Menopausal women receiving adjuvant systemic therapy (with mod-to-high risk distant recurrence), regardless of bone-density, to reduce risk of recurrence
Side Effects
- Hypocalcaemia, renal toxicity, GI upset
- Rarely: Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (0.7%)