Cancer Treatment-Induced Bone Loss (CTIBL): State of the Art and Proper Management in Breast Cancer Patients on Endocrine Therapy

Medication related osteonecrosis (MRONJ) in the management of CTIBL in breast and prostate cancer patients. Joint report by SIPMO AND SIOMMMS

Background

Low-doses of bone modifying agents (LD-BMAs) compared to those used to treat bone metastases are used in breast or prostate cancer patients on adjuvant endocrine therapy to prevent Cancer Treatment Induced Bone Loss (CTIBL). Their use is associated with an increased risk of developing Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ). However, there is not clarity about strategies aimed to minimize the MRONJ risk in cancer patients at different conditions as low- vs high-doses of BMA. This joint report from the Italian Societies of Oral Pathology and Medicine (SIPMO) and of Italian Society of Osteoporosis, Mineral Metabolism and Skeletal Diseases (SIOMMMS) aims to define the dental management of breast and prostate cancer patients with CTIBL under LD-BMAs, to reduce their risk to develop MRONJ.

Methods

This interdisciplinary SIPMO-SIOMMMS Expert Italian Panel reviewed the available international scientific literature and developed a set of recommendations to implement strategies of MRONJ prevention in breast (BC) and prostate cancer (PC) patients undertaking LD-BMAs to prevent CTIBL.

Results

The Expert Panel, after addressing some introductive topics (i.e., CTIBL and its management, pharmacology and pharmacodynamics of BMAs, definition and diagnosis of MRONJ), developed a joint report on the following five issues: a) prevention and dental management in cancer patients candidates to LD-BMAs, or under LD-BMAs; b) prophylactic drug holiday; c) MRONJ treatment; d) LD-BMAs therapeutic drug holiday; and e) restart of LD-BMA treatment after successful healing of MRONJ.Finally, ten key questions with answers were prepared and placed at the end of the document.

Conclusions

Despite obvious weaknesses of the available international literature, the Expert Panel recognized the need to tailor separate MRONJ preventive approach for breast and prostate cancer patients on adjuvant endocrine therapy who begin low-dose BMA therapy to prevent CTIBL and provided this practical guidance for bone specialists and oral healthcare providers. In view of a MRONJ risk for BC and PC patients receiving low-dose BMAs, which approximates that of patients with osteoporosis and other non-malignant diseases undergoing similar treatment schedules, the SIPMO-SIOMMMS Expert Panel recognizes the need for less stringent preventive strategies than those already developed for BC or PC patients with bone metastases taking HD-BMAs.

A review of the current status and future prospects of the bone remodeling process: Biological and mathematical perspectives

This review dives into the complex dynamics of bone remodeling, combining biological insights with mathematical perspectives to better understand this fundamental aspect of skeletal health. Bone, being a crucial part of our body, constantly renews itself, and with the growing number of individuals facing bone-related issues, research in this field is vital. In this review, we categorized and classified most common mathematical models used to simulate the mechanical behavior of bone under different loading and health conditions, shedding light on the evolving landscape of bone biology. While current models have effectively captured the essence of healthy bone remodeling, the ever-expanding knowledge in bone biology suggests an update in mathematical methods. Knowing the role of the skeleton in whole-body physiology, and looking at the recent discoveries about activities of bone cells emphasize the urgency of refining our mathematical descriptions of the bone remodeling process. The underexplored impact of bone diseases like osteoporosis, Paget's disease, or breast cancer on bone remodeling also points to the need for intensified research into diverse disease types and their unique effects on bone health. By reviewing a range of bone remodeling models, we show the necessity for tailor-made mathematical models to decipher their roots and enhance patient treatment strategies. Collaboration among scientists from various domains is pivotal to surmount these challenges, ensuring improved accuracy and applicability of mathematical models. Ultimately, this effort aims to deepen our understanding of bone remodeling processes and their broader implications for diverse health conditions.

Efficacy of a single 5 mg zoledronic acid infusion in preventing bone loss and fracture in postmenopausal women with breast cancer

INTRODUCTION

Chemotherapy-induced bone loss (CTIBL) is common among breast cancer patients, requiring comprehensive assessment and intervention. Zoledronic acid, a strong inhibitor of bone resorption, is effective in CTIBL management, though information on dosing and intervals, particularly the efficacy of the 5 mg annual dose for osteoporosis in breast cancer patients, is limited.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this 12-month prospective observational study, 85 breast cancer patients were divided into three groups: 17 received no treatment, 17 received tamoxifen, and 51 received anastrozole or letrozole (AI). Post-surgery, patients were administered a single 5 mg dose of zoledronic acid and monitored over 12 months for changes in bone mineral density (BMD), fracture rates, and biochemical markers.

RESULTS

Initially, the AI group was the oldest, averaging 59.1 ± 8.7 years. At baseline, no significant differences in variables, except age, were observed. After 12 months, BMD increased in all groups following a single zoledronic acid dose, with the smallest increase in the AI group at the lumbar spine: no treatment (2.4% ± 6.1%), tamoxifen (2.6% ± 3.4%), AI (0.6% ± 14.5%) (p = 0.778). CTx and P1NP levels were consistently suppressed up to 12 months post-treatment, with smaller reductions in the AI group. There were no significant differences in fracture or bone metastasis rates among groups.

CONCLUSION

A single infusion of 5 mg zoledronic acid was effective in increasing bone density in breast cancer patients. However, AI-treated patients showed less improvement in vertebral bone mineral density and biochemical markers. Further long-term studies with larger cohorts are needed.

Bone Regeneration with Dental Pulp Stem Cells in an Experimental Model

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES

The therapeutic approach to bone mass loss and bone's limited self-regeneration is a major focus of research, emphasizing new biomaterials and cell therapy. Tissue bioengineering emerges as a potential alternative to conventional treatments. In this study, an experimental model of a critical bone lesion in rats was used to investigate bone regeneration by treating the defect with biomaterials Evolution® and Gen-Os® (OsteoBiol®, Turín, Italy), with or without mesenchymal stromal cells from dental pulp (DP-MSCs).

METHODS

Forty-six adult male Wistar rats were subjected to a 5-mm critical bone defect in the right mandible, which does not regenerate without intervention. The rats were randomly assigned to a Simulated Group, Control Group, or two Study Groups (using Evolution®, Gen-Os®, and DP-MSCs). The specimens were euthanized at three or six months, and radiological, histological, and ELISA tests were conducted to assess bone regeneration.

RESULTS

The radiological results showed that the DP-MSC group achieved uniform radiopacity and continuity in the bone edge, with near-complete structural defect restitution. Histologically, full bone regeneration was observed, with well-organized, vascularized lamellar bone and no lesion edges. These findings were supported by increases in endoglin, transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), protocollagen, parathormone, and calcitonin, indicating a conducive environment for bone regeneration.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of DP-MSCs combined with biomaterials with appropriate three-dimensional matrices is a promising therapeutic option for further exploration.

Italian position paper (SIPMO-SICMF) on medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ)

OBJECTIVE

This paper aims to describe the 2023 update position paper on MRONJ developed by the Italian Societies of Oral Pathology and Medicine (SIPMO) and of Maxillofacial Surgery (SICMF).

METHODS

This is the second update following the 2013 and 2020 Italian position papers by the Expert panel, which is a representation of the two scientific societies (SIPMO and SICMF). The paper is based on an extensive analysis of the available literature from January 2003 to February 2020, and the subsequent review of literature conducted between March 2020 and December 2022 to include all new relevant published papers to confirm or modify the previous set of recommendations.

RESULTS

This position paper highlights the main issues of MRONJ on risk estimates, disease definition, diagnostic pathway, individual risk assessment, and the fundamental role of imaging in the diagnosis, classification, and management of MRONJ.

CONCLUSION

The Expert Panel confirmed the MRONJ definition, the diagnostic work-up, the clinical-radiological staging system and the prophylactic drug holiday, as recognized by SIPMO-SICMF; while, it presented novel indications regarding the categories at risk of MRONJ, the prevention strategies, and the treatment strategies associated with the therapeutic drug holiday.

Protective role of exercise on breast cancer-related osteoporosis in women undergoing aromatase inhibitors: A narrative review

Hormone therapy following surgery reduces the risk of breast cancer (BC) recurrence and progression of hormone-sensitive BC, especially in postmenopausal women. Despite the antitumor efficacy of hormone therapy, particularly of aromatase inhibitors, they cause long-term side effects, mainly bone density reduction. Exercise can slow the rate of bone loss, which reduces the risk of fractures from osteoporosis, and could be an integrative treatment able to mitigate the BC treatment side effects positively impacting bone health. This narrative review aims to discuss studies on the effect of exercise on bone health in BC women undergoing aromatase inhibitors, highlighting the possible role of exercise as complementary to conventional therapies. Additionally, according to the literature revision, exercise practical applications to improve bone health in these patients are summarized.

Non-metastatic hip fractures surgery in patients with active cancer: benefit and risk

PURPOSE

Although rare, non-metastatic proximal femoral fracture (PFF) can develop in patients with active cancer. However, little data are available regarding the risks and benefits of surgical treatment in such patients. The purpose of his study was to investigate the risks and benefits of surgical treatment of PFF in patients with and without cancer.

METHODS

We retrospectively examined the medical records of all patients treated for PFF, excluding those with pathological fracture, at our hospital from July 2013 to December 2020. The patients were divided into two groups; The active cancer group and the standard group. We investigated in both groups about surgical and medical complications during the perioperative period, walking ability two weeks postoperatively, and one-year postoperative mortality rate.

RESULT

After the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 39 patients in the active cancer group and 331 patients in the standard group were finally investigated. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups. The complication rate did not appear statistical significance between two groups (16.7% in active cancer group vs 10.7% in standard group: p = 0.272). Walking ability was also similar in two groups. Mortality rate at one year was significantly higher in the active cancer group. (41.2% in active cancer group vs 6.0% in standard group: p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Although the active cancer group had a higher mortality rate at one year, which was influenced by the prognosis of the cancer, the benefits of surgical intervention, such as regaining walking ability, were the same in patients with and without active cancer.

A computed tomography radiomics-based model for predicting osteoporosis after breast cancer treatment

Many treatments against breast cancer decrease the level of estrogen in blood, resulting in bone loss, osteoporosis and fragility fractures in breast cancer patients. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate a novel opportunistic screening for cancer treatment-induced bone loss (CTIBL) in breast cancer patients using CT radiomics. Between 2011 and 2021, a total of 412 female breast cancer patients who received treatment and were followed up in our institution, had post-treatment dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) examination of the lumbar vertebrae and had post-treatment chest CT scan that encompassed the L1 vertebra, were included in this study. Results indicated that the T-score of L1 vertebra had a strongly positive correlation with the average T-score of L1-L4 vertebrae derived from DXA (r = 0.91, p < 0.05). On multivariable analysis, four clinical variables (age, body weight, menopause status, aromatase inhibitor exposure duration) and three radiomic features extracted from the region of interest of L1 vertebra (original_firstorder_RootMeanSquared, wavelet.HH_glcm_InverseVariance, and wavelet.LL_glcm_MCC) were selected for building predictive models of L1 T-score and bone health. The predictive model combining clinical and radiomic features showed the greatest adjusted R2 value (0.557), sensitivity (83.6%), specificity (74.2%) and total accuracy (79.4%) compared to models that relied solely on clinical data, radiomic features, or Hounsfield units. In conclusion, the clinical-radiomic predictive model may be used as an opportunistic screening tool for early identification of breast cancer survivors at high risk of CTIBL based on non-contrast CT images of the L1 vertebra, thereby facilitating early intervention for osteoporosis.

Prevention and Co-Management of Breast Cancer-Related Osteoporosis Using Resveratrol

Breast cancer (BC) is currently one of the most common cancers in women worldwide with a rising tendency. Epigenetics, generally inherited variations in gene expression that occur independently of changes in DNA sequence, and their disruption could be one of the main causes of BC due to inflammatory processes often associated with different lifestyle habits. In particular, hormone therapies are often indicated for hormone-positive BC, which accounts for more than 50-80% of all BC subtypes. Although the cure rate in the early stage is more than 70%, serious negative side effects such as secondary osteoporosis (OP) due to induced estrogen deficiency and chemotherapy are increasingly reported. Approaches to the management of secondary OP in BC patients comprise adjunctive therapy with bisphosphonates, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and cortisone, which partially reduce bone resorption and musculoskeletal pain but which are not capable of stimulating the necessary intrinsic bone regeneration. Therefore, there is a great therapeutic need for novel multitarget treatment strategies for BC which hold back the risk of secondary OP. In this review, resveratrol, a multitargeting polyphenol that has been discussed as a phytoestrogen with anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects at the epigenetic level, is presented as a potential adjunct to both support BC therapy and prevent osteoporotic risks by positively promoting intrinsic regeneration. In this context, resveratrol is also known for its unique role as an epigenetic modifier in the regulation of essential signaling processes-both due to its catabolic effect on BC and its anabolic effect on bone tissue.

Clinical practice guidelines for full-cycle standardized management of bone health in breast cancer patients

Bone health management for breast cancer spans the entire cycle of patient care, including the prevention and treatment of bone loss caused by early breast cancer treatment, the adjuvant application of bone-modifying agents to improve prognosis, and the diagnosis and treatment of advanced bone metastases. Making good bone health management means formulating appropriate treatment strategies and dealing with adverse drug reactions, and will help to improve patients' quality of life and survival rates. The Breast Cancer Expert Committee of the National Cancer Center for Quality Control organized relevant experts to conduct an in-depth discussion on the full-cycle management of breast cancer bone health based on evidence-based medicine, and put forward reasonable suggestions to guide clinicians to better deal with health issues in bone health clinics.

Estrogen deprivation effects of endocrine therapy in breast cancer patients: Incidence, management and outcome

Endocrine therapy is one of the standard adjuvant treatments to reduce the risk of recurrence and mortality in patients with hormone receptor positive early breast cancer. Despite its proven efficacy, ET side effects, which persist over time even if low grade, may deteriorate quality of life. During follow-up visits, emphasis is generally placed on the risk of disease recurrence, while the topic of ET side effects is commonly neglected and discussed only briefly. This could lead to poor adherence to therapy and early treatment discontinuation, resulting in worse survival outcomes. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the available evidence on the incidence and reporting of ET-related side effects (including vasomotor symptoms, musculoskeletal disorders and genitourinary syndrome of menopause, as well as fatigue, psychological and ocular disorders, dysmetabolic effects and loss of bone density) and of the pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies available to mitigate symptom burden.

Effect of chemotherapy and different chemotherapy regimens on bone health among Chinese breast cancer women in different menstrual status: a self-control study

PURPOSE

Although the therapy-related bone loss attracts increasing attention nowadays, the differences in chemotherapy-induced bone loss and bone metabolism indexes change among breast cancer (BC) women with different menstrual statuses or chemotherapy regimens are unknown. The aim of the study is to explore the effects of different regimens of chemotherapy on bone health.

METHOD

The self-control study enrolled 118 initially diagnosed BC women without distant metastasis who underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone mineral density (BMD) screening and (or) bone metabolism index monitoring during chemotherapy at Chongqing Breast Cancer Center. Mann-Whitney U test, Cochran's Q test, and Wilcoxon sign rank test were performed.

RESULTS

After chemotherapy, the BMD in the lumbar 1-4 and whole lumbar statistically decreased (- 1.8%/per 6 months), leading to a significantly increased proportion of osteoporosis (27.1% vs. 20.5%, P < 0.05), which were mainly seen in the premenopausal group (- 7.0%/per 6 months). Of the chemotherapeutic regimens of EC (epirubicin + cyclophosphamide), TC (docetaxel + cyclophosphamide), TEC (docetaxel + epirubicin + cyclophosphamide), and EC-T(H) [epirubicin + cyclophosphamide-docetaxel and/or trastuzumab], EC regimen had the least adverse impact on BMD, while the EC-TH regimen reduced BMD most (P < 0.05) inspite of the non-statistical difference between EC-T regimen, which was mainly seen in the postmenopausal group. Chemotherapy-induced amenorrhea (estradiol 94 pg/ml vs, 22 pg/ml; FSH 9.33 mIU/ml vs. 61.27 mIU/ml) was proved in premenopausal subgroup (P < 0.001). Except the postmenopausal population with calcium/VitD supplement, the albumin-adjusted calcium increased significantly (2.21 mmol/l vs. 2.33 mmol/l, P < 0.05) after chemotherapy. In postmenopausal group with calcium/VitD supplement, β-CTX decreased significantly (0.56 ng/ml vs. 0.39 ng/ml, P < 0.05) and BMD were not affected by chemotherapy (P > 0. 05). In premenopausal group with calcium/VitD supplement, PTH decreased significantly (52.90 pg/ml vs. 28.80 pg/ml, P = 0. 008) and hip BMD increased after chemotherapy (0.845 g/m2 vs. 0.952 g/m2, P = 0. 006). As for both postmenopausal and premenopausal group without calcium/VitD supplement, there was a significant decrease in bone mass in hip and lumbar vertebrae after chemotherapy (0.831 g/m2 vs. 0.776 g/m2; 0.895 g/m2 vs. 0.870 g/m2, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Chemotherapy might induce lumbar vertebrae BMD loss and spine osteoporosis with regimen differences among Chinese BC patients. Calcium/VitD supplementation could improve bone turnover markers, bone metabolism indicators, and bone mineral density. Early interventions on bone health are needed for BC patients during chemotherapy.

Bone modifying agents in postmenopausal breast cancer patients treated with aromatase inhibitors: beyond bone protection?

Estrogen-receptor positive tumours represent the majority of breast cancers in postmenopausal women. Adjuvant endocrine therapy with aromatase inhibitors (AIs), continued for up to 10 years in high-risk patients, reduces by 40% the risk of recurrence. However, this therapy, among other side effects, is burdened with a higher incidence of osteoporotic bone fractures. To date, both bisphosphonates and denosumab are recognized as first-line drugs in the primary prevention of osteoporotic fractures in patients treated with AIs. They have demonstrated their effectiveness in increasing bone mineral density and in reducing the incidence of fractures, but they have also been shown to improve disease free survival (DFS).

MRONJ in breast cancer patients under bone modifying agents for cancer treatment-induced bone loss (CTIBL): a multi-hospital-based case series

BACKGROUND

Cancer treatment-induced bone loss (CTIBL) is the most common adverse event experienced by patients affected by breast cancer (BC) patients, without bone metastases. Bone modifying agents (BMAs) therapy is prescribed for the prevention of CTIBL, but it exposes patients to the risk of MRONJ.

METHODS

This multicentre hospital-based retrospective study included consecutive non-metastatic BC patients affected by MRONJ related to exposure to low-dose BMAs for CTIBL prevention. Patients' data were retrospectively collected from the clinical charts of seven recruiting Italian centres.

RESULTS

MRONJ lesions were found in fifteen females (mean age 67.5 years), mainly in the mandible (73.3%). The mean duration of BMAs therapy at MRONJ presentation was 34.9 months. The more frequent BMAs was denosumab (53.3%). Ten patients (66.7%) showed the following local risk factors associated to MRONJ development: periodontal disease (PD) in three cases (20%) and the remaining six (40%) have undergone PD-related tooth extractions. One patient presented an implant presence-triggered MRONJ (6.7%). In five patients (33.3%) no local risk factors were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first case series that investigated BC patients under BMAs for CTIBL prevention suffering from MRONJ. These patients seem to have similar probabilities of developing MRONJ as osteo-metabolic ones. Breast cancer patients under BMAs for CTIBL prevention need a regular prevention program for MRONJ, since they may develop bone metastases and be treated with higher doses of BMAs, potentially leading to a high-risk of MRONJ.

Prevention of aromatase inhibitor-induced bone loss with anti-resorptive therapy in post-menopausal women with early-stage breast cancer

We assessed if antiresorptive treatment can prevent aromatase inhibitor-induced bone loss in patients with early breast cancer. We observed that patients who did not receive antiresorptive treatment had a 20.8-fold increase in risk of bone loss after 24 months of aromatase inhibitors therapy.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to describe changes in femoral and lumbar bone mineral density (BMD) after 24 months of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) and antiresorptive treatment in postmenopausal women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer.

METHODS

Prospective, longitudinal study in a real-life setting with a 2-year follow-up. Patients underwent a complete baseline bone assessment including clinical assessment, biological evaluation, BMD measurement, and spine X-ray. Antiresorptive treatment was prescribed to patients with a T-score <  - 2 or a T-score <  - 1.5 SD with additional osteoporosis risk factors. A follow-up bone assessment was carried out after 24 months.

RESULTS

Among 328 patients referred to our center, 168 patients (67.7 ± 10.6 years) were included in our study, and 144 were eligible for antiresorptive treatment. After 24 months, patients receiving antiresorptive treatment experienced a significant increase of + 6.28% in femoral-BMD (F-BMD) and + 7.79% in lumbar-BMD (L-BMD). This increase was not significantly different between osteoporotic and osteopenic patients. Conversely, patients not receiving antiresorptive treatment presented significant F-BMD and L-BMD loss regardless of the baseline BMD. In the multivariate logistic model, the lack of antiresorptive treatment was the only predictive factor for major femoral bone loss with a 20.83 odds ratio (CI95%:4.2-100, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

This real-life study confirmed that antiresorptive treatment significantly increases femoral and lumbar BMD regardless of the baseline BMD in postmenopausal patients receiving AIs for early breast cancer. Patients who did not receive antiresorptive treatment had a 20.8-fold increased risk of major bone loss. Nevertheless, the best threshold to adopt for starting antiresorptive agents remains undetermined.

Management of bone loss due to endocrine therapy during cancer treatment

Bone modifying agents BMAs (oral and IV bisphosphonates, denosumab) are used to treat bone loss due to endocrine therapy in patients with hormone receptor positive (HR +) early breast cancer and non-metastatic prostate cancer (NMPC). Timely initiation of appropriate sequential therapy is imperative to reduce cancer treatment-induced bone loss (CTIBL). This narrative review summarizes current literature regarding management of CTIBL in HR + early breast cancer and NMPC patients. Risk factors for fragility fractures, screening strategies, optimal timing for the treatment, dosing/duration of therapy, and post treatment monitoring have not been clearly defined in HR + early breast and NMPC patients receiving endocrine therapy. This review aims to discuss the utility of fracture risk assessment (FRAX) tool for the prevention and management of CTIBL, osteoanabolic therapy for imminent fracture risk reduction, and sequential therapy options. Using predefined terms, PubMed, MEDLINE, and Google Scholar were searched for studies on CTIBL in HR + breast and NMPC patients. We included randomized clinical trials, meta-analysis, evidence-based reviews, observational studies, and clinical practice guidelines. Fracture risk assessment tools (FRAX) guide therapy for osteoporosis in patients with early HR + breast cancer and NMPC. BMAs to prevent bone loss should be initiated at higher T-score than recommended by FRAX in premenopausal HR + breast cancer patients with chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure, oophorectomy and gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) therapy, post-menopausal women with HR + breast cancer receiving aromatase inhibitor therapy, and NMPC patients with androgen deprivation therapy. Sequential therapy with osteoanabolic agents as first line treatment offers a potential therapeutic strategy in patients with high imminent fracture risk. Due to limited data in cancer patients regarding management of osteoporosis, a dosing schedule similar to osteoporosis is considered appropriate. Risk stratification to identify vulnerable patient population, choosing the appropriate sequential therapy, and close monitoring of patients at the risk of bone loss can potentially reduce the mortality, morbidity, and health care cost related to CTIBL.

Impact of Physical Rehabilitation on Bone Biomarkers in Non-Metastatic Breast Cancer Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Rehabilitation might improve bone health in breast cancer (BC) patients, but the effects on bone biomarkers are still debated. Thus, this meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aims at characterizing the impact of rehabilitation on bone health biomarkers in BC survivors. On 2 May 2022, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane, and PEDro were systematically searched for RCTs assessing bone biomarker modifications induced by physical exercise in BC survivors. The quality assessment was performed with the Jadad scale and the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoBv.2). Trial registration number: CRD42022329766. Ten studies were included for a total of 873 patients. The meta-analysis showed overall significant mean difference percentage decrease in collagen type 1 cross-linked N-telopeptide (NTX) serum level [ES: -11.65 (-21.13, -2.17), p = 0.02)] and an increase in bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) levels [ES: +6.09 (1.56, 10.62). According to the Jadad scale, eight RCTs were considered high-quality studies. Four studies showed a low overall risk of bias, according to RoBv.2. The significant effects of rehabilitation on bone biomarkers suggested a possible implication for a precision medicine approach targeting bone remodeling. Future research might clarify the role of bone biomarkers monitoring in rehabilitation management of cancer treatment induced bone-loss.

Bone health after RRBSO among BRCA1/2 mutation carriers: a population-based study

OBJECTIVE

Examine the risks of fractures and osteoporosis after risk-reducing bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (RRBSO) among women with BRCA1/2 mutations.

METHODS

In this retrospective population-based study in British Columbia, Canada, between 1996 to 2017, we compared risks of osteoporosis and fractures among women with BRCA1/2 mutations who underwent RRBSO before the age of 50 (n=329) with two age-matched groups without known mutations: 1) women who underwent bilateral oophorectomy (BO) (n=3,290); 2) women with intact ovaries who had hysterectomy or salpingectomy (n=3,290). Secondary outcomes were: having dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan, and bisphosphonates use.

RESULTS

The mean age at RRBSO was 42.4 years (range, 26-49) and the median follow-up for women with BRCA1/2 mutations was 6.9 years (range, 1.1-19.9). There was no increased hazard of fractures for women with BRCA1/2 mutations (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR]=0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.56-1.14 compared to women who had BO; aHR=1.02; 95% CI=0.65-1.61 compared to women with intact ovaries). Among women who had DEXA-scan, those with BRCA1/2 mutations had higher risk of osteoporosis (aHR=1.60; 95% CI=1.00-2.54 compared to women who had BO; aHR=2.49; 95% CI=1.44-4.28 compared to women with intact ovaries). Women with BRCA1/2 mutations were more likely to get DEXA-scan than either control groups, but only 46% of them were screened. Of the women with BRCA1/2 mutations diagnosed with osteoporosis, 36% received bisphosphonates.

CONCLUSION

Women with BRCA1/2 mutations had higher risk of osteoporosis after RRBSO, but were not at increased risk of fractures during our follow-up. Low rates of DEXA-scan and bisphosphonates use indicate we can improve prevention of bone loss.

Vitamin D Deficiency in Women with Breast Cancer: A Correlation with Osteoporosis? A Machine Learning Approach with Multiple Factor Analysis

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent malignant tumor in women in Europe and North America, and the use of aromatase inhibitors (AIs) is recommended in women affected by estrogen receptor-positive BCs. AIs, by inhibiting the enzyme that converts androgens into estrogen, cause a decrement in bone mineral density (BMD), with a consequent increased risk of fragility fractures. This study aimed to evaluate the role of vitamin D3 deficiency in women with breast cancer and its correlation with osteoporosis and BMD modifications. This observational cross-sectional study collected the following data regarding bone health: osteoporosis and osteopenia diagnosis, lumbar spine (LS) and femoral neck bone mineral density (BMD), serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), calcium and parathyroid hormone. The study included 54 women with BC, mean age 67.3 ± 8.16 years. Given a significantly low correlation with the LS BMD value (r2 = 0.30, p = 0.025), we assessed the role of vitamin D3 via multiple factor analysis and found that BMD and vitamin D3 contributed to the arrangement of clusters, reported as vectors, providing similar trajectories of influence to the construction of the machine learning model. Thus, in a cohort of women with BC undergoing Ais, we identified a very low prevalence (5.6%) of patients with adequate bone health and a normal vitamin D3 status. According to our cluster model, we may conclude that the assessment and management of bone health and vitamin D3 status are crucial in BC survivors.

Efficacy of Antiresorptive Drugs on Bone Mineral Density in Post-Menopausal Women With Early Breast Cancer Receiving Adjuvant Aromatase Inhibitors: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

Cancer treatment-induced bone loss (CTIBL) is a frequent complication of breast cancer therapies affecting both disability and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). To date, there is still a lack of consensus about the most effective approach that would improve bone health and HRQoL. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) was to summarize the evidence on the effects of antiresorptive drugs on CTIBL in patients with early breast cancer.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched up to April 30, 2021 to identify RCTs satisfying the following PICO model: P) Participants: postmenopausal women with early breast cancer receiving adjuvant aromatase inhibitors (AI), age >18 years; I) Intervention: antiresorptive drugs (i.e. bisphosphonates and/or denosumab); C) Comparator: any comparator; O) Outcome: bone mineral density (BMD) modifications. Moreover, a quality assessment was performed according to the Jadad scale.

Results

Out of the initial 2415 records, 21 papers (15 studies) were included in the data synthesis. According to the Jadad scale, 6 studies obtained a score of 5, 1 study obtained a score of 4, 13 studies obtained a score of 3, and 1 study with score 1. Although both bisphosphonates and denosumab showed to increase BMD, only denosumab showed significant advantages on fractures.

Conclusions

Bone health management in patients with early breast cancer receiving adjuvant AIs remains challenging, and the optimal therapeutic approach is not standardized. Further studies are needed to investigate CTIBL, focusing on both the need for antiresorptive drugs and their duration based on individual patients’ characteristics.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42021267107.