Osteoporosis and musculoskeletal complications related to therapy of breast cancer

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.

[Impact of adapted physical activity on joint pain induced under adjuvant hormone therapy for breast cancer: A review of the literature]

Hormone therapy provides an excellent survival rate after cancer but has many side effects, including joint pain in one out of two women. This leads about 13 % of women to stop their treatment within the first 6 months, impacting on its effectiveness, survival and the risk of recurrence. In order to better manage pain and quality of life, physical activity is highly recommended. In this context, the present review proposes a state of the art on the effects of adapted physical activity, based on the works referenced in PubMed. These studies show that physical activity has proved its worth in the primary prevention of cancer and is being evaluated in secondary prevention, particularly in the reduction of adverse effects. Overall, there is a reduction in joint pain, an improvement in quality of life and fatigue. Physical activity also plays a role in tertiary prevention. Paradoxically, oncologists and educators often note a reduction in the practice of physical activity due to fear of the onset of pain. It seems necessary to reinforce communication with patients and health professionals and to recommend the practice of physical activity in an appropriate setting.

The impact of bone mineral density screening on incident fractures and healthcare resource utilization among postmenopausal breast cancer survivors treated with aromatase inhibitors

Bone mineral density screening prior to initiating aromatase inhibitor therapy was associated with lower incident bone fractures and healthcare resource utilization among postmenopausal breast cancer survivors.

INTRODUCTION

Postmenopausal women with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer (BC) often receive aromatase inhibitor (AI) therapy. However, AIs induce bone loss and BC survivors are at an increased risk of bone fractures. This study determined whether receipt of baseline dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) screening is associated with decreased incident fractures and lower healthcare resource utilization.

METHODS

We retrospectively analyzed 22,713 stage 0-III primary BC survivors who received AI therapy ≤ 1 year prior to BC diagnosis from the Medicare-Linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End-Results database. We categorized DXA screening for those who had a procedural claim within 12 months prior through 6 months after first AI claim. We used propensity score methods to assess the association of DXA screening with bone fractures and health resource utilization.

RESULTS

Of the study cohort, 62% received a DXA screening. Women with comorbid dementia, renal disease, and congestive heart failure were less likely to receive a DXA. After adjusting for confounders, BC survivors who received a DXA had a 32% decreased risk of any bone fracture compared to those who did not (hazard ratio (HR): 0.68, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.60-0.76, p < 0.001). Similarly, those who received a DXA were less likely to be hospitalized (HR 0.73 (0.62-0.86)) or use outpatient services (HR 0.85 (0.74-0.97)).

CONCLUSIONS

Bone density screening is associated with decreased incident bone fractures and a lower likelihood of utilizing healthcare resource for fracture-related events. Postmenopausal BC survivors treated with AIs should undergo appropriate bone density screening to reduce morbidity, mortality, and health care expenses.

Adherence to Cancer Survivorship Care Guidelines and Health Care Utilization Patterns Among Nonmetastatic Breast Cancer Survivors in Singapore

Currently, limited information is available on care provided to breast cancer survivors in Singapore. This study aims to assess the quality of post-treatment cancer survivorship care among breast cancer survivors on the basis of compliance with international guidelines up to 5 years post-primary treatment.

We evaluated the adherence to international breast cancer survivorship care guidelines in Singapore.

Therapeutic Options in the Management of Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Bone Loss

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer in women worldwide. Early breast cancer is a kind of invasive neoplasm that has not proliferated beyond the breast or the axillary lymph nodes. Current therapeutic strategies for breast cancer mainly include local therapies such as surgery or radiotherapy and systemic therapies like chemotherapy, endocrine, and targeted therapy.Nowadays, the adjuvant treatment for hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer in postmenopausal women remains the main effective systemic therapy which can improve disease-free survival and overall survival; it involves several endocrine treatment regimens including selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), aromatase inhibitors (AIs), or a combination of them. AIs have been shown to be more effective in preventing recurrence in postmenopausal women with early breast cancer when compared with tamoxifen, thus representing the standard of care for adjuvant endocrine therapy. Although AIs are usually well-tolerated, they can have some side effects. Apart from the appearance of arthralgias or myalgias and cardiovascular events, AI therapies, reducing already low endogenous postmenopausal estradiol levels, cause increased bone loss and increase fracture risk in postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the therapeutic options in the management of aromatase inhibitor-associated bone loss (AIBL).

METHODS

We reviewed the current literature dealing with different therapeutic options in the treatment of AIBL.

RESULTS

Clinical practice guidelines recommend a careful evaluation of skeletal health in all women with breast cancer before AI therapy initiation. Adequate calcium and vitamin D intake have also been suggested. Pharmacological attempts to minimize AI-related bone loss have focused on the use of antiresorptive agents, such as bisphosphonates and denosumab, to protect bone integrity and reduce the risk of fractures. Furthermore, clinical trials have shown that by making the bone microenvironment less susceptible to breast cancer metastasis, these drugs are able to increase disease-free survival.

CONCLUSIONS

AI, thatare the pillar of the systemic treatment for patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, are associated with different side effects, and in particular osteoporosis and fractures. Both bisphosphonates and denosumab are able to prevent this negative effect.

The Influence of Hormone Therapy on secondary diabetes mellitus in Breast Cancer: A Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Growing evidences have implied that patients with primary breast cancer (BC) were at increased risks of developing diabetes mellitus (DM). However, as a major adjuvant treatment, the influence of hormone therapy (HT) on secondary DM in primary BC remains controversial; we conducted a meta-analysis of existing studies to evaluate the association of hormone therapy and secondary DM.

METHODS

We searched online databases (PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane library, Scopus, and Google Scholar) for studies exploring the influence of hormone therapy on secondary DM in BC. The summarized effect sizes (ES) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) are calculated by STATA software utilizing fixed-effect or random-effect models, depending on the heterogeneity of the eligible studies.

RESULTS

Ultimately, 7 retrospective publications including a total of 44,524 primary BC patients are eligible in present meta-analysis. HT use significantly increased the risk of developing DM in primary BC patients, whenever compared with NON-HT BC patients (pooled adjusted HR 1.30, 95% CI: 1.19-1.43) or NORMAL participants (HR 1.19, 95% CI: 1.14-1.25). As to specific HT medications, our sub-analysis demonstrates the risk for DM in tamoxifen (TAM) users elevates by 30% than NON-TAM use BC patients (pooled HR 1.30, 95% CI: 1.20-1.40) and by 18% than NORMAL participants (pooled HR 1.18, 95% CI: 1.12-1.24). However, for aromatase inhibitors (AIs) users, the risks for DM do not elevate significantly. Funnel plots and Egger's tests are used to evaluate publication bias and no apparent bias is detected in all analysis.

CONCLUSION

The present study is the first meta-analysis which thoroughly reveals that adjuvant HT is a risk factor of secondary DM in primary female BC patients. As to specific HT medications, TAM use significantly enhances the incidence of secondary DM, while AIs use does not influence the DM incidence significantly. Our results can help clinicians to tailor more appropriate strategies for the therapy and follow-up of primary BC patients.

Effect of Traditional Chinese Medicine on Musculoskeletal Symptoms in Breast Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

CONTEXT

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been widely used as a complementary medical treatment for arthralgia and other types of pain. The available literature on the effectiveness of TCM on breast cancer patients with musculoskeletal symptoms reports controversial results.

OBJECTIVES

The objective of this review is to assess the effectiveness of TCM as a treatment option for musculoskeletal symptoms in patients with breast cancer who were treated with aromatase inhibitors (AIs).

METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, the Cochrane Library, SAGE journals, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science, Medline, Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), Wanfang, and Chinese Medical Journal Database (CMJ) from May 2020 to November 2020. The literature review included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of TCM for AI-related musculoskeletal symptoms.

RESULTS

Four RCTs incorporating TCM were assessed by meta-analysis and reported favorable effects in reducing worst pain score (n = 284, mean difference [MD]: 2.31; 95% CI, 1.74 to 2.88; P < 0.00001). Three trials showed favorable effects of TCM in reducing pain interference (n = 211, MD: 2.62; 95% CI, 1.29 to 3.94; P = 0.0001), while two trials reported no significant effects of TCM on stiffness (n = 147, MD: 1.21; 95% CI, -0.39 to 2.82; P = 0.14). The meta-analysis of three trials also found no significant effect of TCM on bone mineral density (n = 214, MD, -0.01; 95% CI, -0.07 to 0.05; P = 0.71). The physical aspect of quality of life was significantly increased in breast cancer patients after TCM treatment (n = 220, MD, 5.13; 95% CI, 2.04 to 8.22; P = 0.001). In addition, three RCTs reported minimal TCM-related adverse events.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that TCM could be an effective treatment in relieving pain especially worst pain and pain interference as well as improving quality of life caused by AI-related musculoskeletal symptoms. However, further investigation of the molecular pathway involved and in-depth safety profile are needed.

A perspective on adverse health outcomes after breast cancer treatment in women with spinal cord injury

Aging women face increased risks of both breast cancer and spinal cord injury (SCI). Unique treatment challenges for this population warrant consideration. Despite advances in breast cancer treatments, significant adverse health outcomes continue to occur. Cancer treatments can be detrimental to the quality of life of able-bodied women, but more so for women living with pre-existing SCI. The goal of this Perspective Paper is to inform rehabilitation professionals about the needs of women with SCI treated for breast cancer. Specific objectives were: (1) give an overview of breast cancer treatment-related adverse outcomes that need special attention in women with SCI; and (2) inspire researchers to study the consequences of breast cancer-related health conditions in women with SCI. We identified SCI-specific considerations for undergoing breast cancer surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and endocrine therapy. This paper attempts to raise awareness regarding these issues due to the lack of research attention they have received.

Bone Mineral Density at the Time of Initiating Aromatase Inhibitor Therapy Is Associated With Decreased Fractures in Women With Breast Cancer

Women with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer who receive an aromatase inhibitor (AI) are at risk for fractures. We aim to determine if dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans made at the time of AI initiation are associated with decreased fractures. We retrospectively identified 25,158 women with local or regional breast cancer diagnosed between 2005 and 2013 who received AI therapy between 2007 and 2013 from the Medicare-linked Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program and Texas Cancer Registry databases. We defined baseline DXA screening using claims made between 1 year before and 6 months after each patient's first AI claim to examine determinants of baseline screening using a multivariable GENMOD model. We included a propensity score adjustment in Cox proportional hazard models to assess the association between time-varying DXA screening and the risk of fractures. Additionally, we compared the use of antiresorptive therapy drugs between the two groups. Of the study cohort, 14,738 (58.6%) received DXA screening. The screening rates increased annually from 52.1% in 2007 to 61.7% in 2013. Higher screening rates were observed in patients with younger age, married status, non-Hispanic white race, localized disease, fewer comorbidities, more than one type of aromatase inhibitor drug claim, no state buy-in (surrogate for low socioeconomic status), higher education level, and prior osteoporosis diagnosis. Baseline DXA screening was associated with decreased risk of subsequent fractures (hazard ratio = 0.91; 95% confidence interval, 0.86-0.97, p < .001) after multivariable and propensity score adjustment. Bone-modifying drugs were prescribed to 4440 (30.1%) patients with screening compared with 1766 (16.9%) without (p < .001). Of the 4440 patients who received treatment, 95% received bisphosphonates. Our study demonstrated baseline DXA screening was associated with a decreased risk of fractures and a higher likelihood of receiving antiresorptive therapies. Improvement of the baseline DXA screening is still needed in practice. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Osteoporosis epidemiology using international cohorts

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The field of osteoporosis research has been active for the past 20 years and has allowed significant advancement in the management of osteoporosis. This review will give an overview of the latest data from international cohorts that relate to current and recent osteoporosis research.

RECENT FINDINGS

The clinical diagnosis of osteoporosis relies heavily on bone mineral density (BMD) measured at femoral neck or spine and although BMD has excellent predictive value for future fractures, fracture risk assessment has evolved over the years, resulting in the birth of fracture prediction tools. Fracture risk factors not currently featured in these tools are being considered for inclusion, including imminent risk fracture following a sentinel fracture, number of falls, and previous vertebral fractures. Data from groups with comorbidities such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are helping us understand how to best manage patients with multiple comorbidities. Finally, the prevalence of vertebral fracture in the older general population and other selected populations has been explored, alongside the global burden of osteoporosis and its consequences.

SUMMARY

Our understanding of osteoporosis continues to expand, but knowledge gaps remain.

Bone-modifying Agents (BMAs) in Breast Cancer

Bone-modifying agents (BMAs) are mainstays in breast cancer and prevent and treat osteoporosis in early-stage disease and reduce skeletal metastases complications in advanced disease. There is some evidence to support that BMA also prevents skeletal metastases and improves overall survival. Bone loss occurs with chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure, gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, and aromatase inhibitors. In some women, the bone loss will be of sufficient magnitude to increase the risks of osteoporosis or fractures. Recommended steps in osteoporosis prevention or treatment include risk factor assessment, taking adequate amounts of calcium and vitamin D3, and periodic evaluations with dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry scanning. If clinically indicated by the T-scores and fracture-risk prediction algorithms treat with oral, IV bisphosphonates or subcutaneous denosumab (DEN). Zoledronic acid (ZA) or DEN reduces skeletal metastases complications, including pathological fracture, spinal cord compression, or the necessity for radiation or surgery to bone. Also, both of these drugs have the side-effect of osteonecrosis at a similar incidence. Monthly administration of ZA or DEN is standard, but several recent randomized trials show noninferiority between ZA monthly and every 3-month ZA. Every 3-month ZA is a new standard of care. Similar trials of the schedule of DEN are ongoing. ZA anticancer effect is only in postmenopausal women or premenopausal women rendered postmenopausal by GnRH agonists or bilateral oopherectomy. High-risk women, either postmenopausal or premenopausal, receiving GnRH/oopherctomy should consider adjuvant ZA. There are insufficient data to support DEN in this setting. Herein, this narrative review covers the mechanism of action of BMA, randomized clinical trials, and adverse events, both common and rare.

Update on the Role of Neuropeptide Y and Other Related Factors in Breast Cancer and Osteoporosis

Breast cancer and osteoporosis are common diseases that affect the survival and quality of life in postmenopausal women. Women with breast cancer are more likely to develop osteoporosis than women without breast cancer due to certain factors that can affect both diseases simultaneously. For instance, estrogen and the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) play important roles in the occurrence and development of these two diseases. Moreover, chemotherapy and hormone therapy administered to breast cancer patients also increase the incidence of osteoporosis, and in recent years, neuropeptide Y (NPY) has also been found to impact breast cancer and osteoporosis.Y1 and Y5 receptors are highly expressed in breast cancer, and Y1 and Y2 receptors affect osteogenic response, thus potentially highlighting a potential new direction for treatment strategies. In this paper, the relationship between breast cancer and osteoporosis, the influence of NPY on both diseases, and the recent progress in the research and treatment of these diseases are reviewed.

Osteoporosis: A Long-Term and Late-Effect of Breast Cancer Treatments

Simple Summary

Osteoporosis is a prevalent condition affecting 200 million individuals world-wide. Estimates are about one in three women will experience a fragility fracture of hip, spine or wrist. Common breast cancer treatments, such as aromatase inhibitors in postmenopausal women and chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure in premenopausal women, cause bone loss that in some women will lead to osteoporosis and fragility fractures. Fragility fractures cause morbidity and mortality and are entirely preventable. Prevention or treatment of osteoporosis includes lifestyle modifications (e.g., reducing smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, and increasing physical activity), taking calcium and vitamin D3, screening for osteoporosis with dual-energy absorptiometry, and treatment, if clinically indicated, with ether oral bisphosphonates, intravenous zoledronic acid, or subcutaneous denosumab. This chapter reviews the pathogenesis of osteoporosis, the magnitude of bone loss related to common breast cancer treatments, osteoporosis risk factor assessment and screening, and the specific drugs to treat or prevent osteoporosis.

Abstract

Osteoporosis is both a long-term effect (occurs during treatment and extends after treatment) and a late-effect (occurs after treatment ends) of breast cancer treatments. The worldwide prevalence of osteoporosis is estimated to be some 200 million patients. About one in three postmenopausal women will experience an osteoporotic (or fragility) fracture of the hip, spine, or wrist. breast cancer treatments, including gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, chemotherapy-induced ovarian failure (CIOF), and aromatase inhibitors (AIs), cause bone loss and increase the risks of osteoporosis. Also, breast cancer is a disease of aging, and most of the “one in eight” lifetime risks of breast cancer are in women in their sixth, seventh, and eighth decades. The majority of women diagnosed with breast cancers today will be long-term survivors and experience personal cures. It is the coalescence of osteoporosis with breast cancer, two common and age-related conditions that make osteoporosis relevant in women with breast cancer throughout the continuum from diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. It is critical to remember that women (and men) will lose bone after age thirty years. However, only certain women will lose bone of sufficient magnitude to merit treatment with anti-osteoporosis drugs. The narrative review is intended for medical, surgical, radiation oncologists, and other mid-level providers, and provides an overview of bone loss and the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Aromatase Inhibitors-Induced Musculoskeletal Disorders: Current Knowledge on Clinical and Molecular Aspects

Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) have radically changed the prognosis of hormone receptor positive breast cancer (BC) in post-menopausal women, and are a mainstay of the adjuvant therapy for BC after surgery in place of, or following, Tamoxifen. However, AIs aren't side effect-free; frequent adverse events involve the musculoskeletal system, in the form of bone loss, AI-associated arthralgia (AIA) syndrome and autoimmune rheumatic diseases. In this narrative review, we reported the main clinical features of these three detrimental conditions, their influence on therapy adherence, the possible underlying molecular mechanisms and the available pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. The best-known form is the AIs-induced osteoporosis, whose molecular pathway and therapeutic possibilities were extensively investigated in the last decade. AIA syndrome is a high prevalent joint pain disorder which often determines a premature discontinuation of the therapy. Several points still need to be clarified, as a universally accepted diagnostic definition, the pathogenetic mechanisms and satisfactory management strategies. The association of AIs therapy with autoimmune diseases is of the utmost interest. The related literature has been recently expanded, but many issues remain to be explored, the first being the molecular mechanisms.

Physical Activity in Older Cancer Survivors: What Role Do Multimorbidity and Perceived Disability Play?

PURPOSE

(a) To describe the relationship of multimorbidity and physical activity (PA) in cancer survivors and (b) to explore perceived disability and PA in middle-aged and older survivors.

METHODS

The authors analyzed the data from cancer survivors (N = 566), identified using the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry, who responded to a Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System-derived questionnaire. They created age groups (e.g., 45-54 years, 55-64 years, 65-74 years, and 75 years and older) and calculated a composite score of eight common comorbidities (e.g., chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease) to assess multimorbidity. Logistic regression was used to estimate the association of demographic and behavioral/clinical risk factors (e.g., multimorbidity, perceived disability, body mass index) with PA.

RESULTS

Most respondents were females (62%), older (mean age = 68 years) and represented diverse cancer sites, including breast (n = 132), colorectal (n = 102), gynecologic (n = 106), prostate (n = 111), and lung (n = 80). PA participation was mixed; 44% of survivors reported achieving >150 min of aerobic PA, but half of lung and 37% of gynecologic survivors reported no PA (0 min/week). Higher multimorbidity (odds ratio = 0.82, confidence  interval [0.69, 0.98], p < .05), obesity (odds ratio = 0.51, confidence  interval [0.30, 0.86], p < .05), and perceived disability (odds ratio = 0.49, confidence  interval [0.32, 0.77], p < .001) were negatively associated with PA participation. Strength training was suboptimal across all survivors.

CONCLUSION

Most older survivors experienced comorbid conditions, and this was associated with less PA. Survivors who perceived themselves as disabled or who were obese were half as likely as others to participate in PA. This suggests an increasing need to address both physical and psychological limitations in designing PA interventions for real-world needs. Exercise interventions that address the unique needs of older survivors for multimorbidity, obesity, and perceived disability may strengthen opportunities for PA.

Attitudes and Beliefs of Older Female Breast Cancer Survivors and Providers About Exercise in Cancer Care

OBJECTIVES

To understand breast cancer survivors' and providers' attitudes and beliefs regarding exercise counseling and structured exercise programs within cancer care.

SAMPLE & SETTING

61 female breast cancer survivors and 11 breast cancer providers from a university cancer center in the Pacific Northwest.

METHODS & VARIABLES

Survivors completed anonymous self-report surveys, and providers participated in semistructured interviews. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, and interview transcripts were analyzed using qualitative content analysis.

RESULTS

Breast cancer survivors and providers believed that including exercise counseling within cancer care was important. More than half of the survivors reported that they would attend structured exercise classes; a majority of providers thought cancer centers should offer exercise programs.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING

Nurses could facilitate exercise counseling within cancer care and advocate for clinic-based exercise programs.

Effect of Aromatase Inhibition (Exemestane) on Urine Concentration of Osteoprotegerin in Healthy Postmenopausal Women

This pilot study examined how exemestane (an aromatase inhibitor [AI]) affected osteoprotegerin (OPG) urine concentrations in postmenopausal women. Exemestane (25 mg, single dose) was given to 14 disease-free women past menopause in this nonrandomized, open-label study. Before dosing, urine specimens were gathered. Three days later, these women returned to provide urine specimens for pharmacokinetic (measurement of major parent drug and enzymatic product) and pharmacodynamic (profiling of OPG) analysis. Urine concentrations of the major parent drug (exemestane) and enzymatic product (17-hydroexemestane) were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. An analyst software package was used for data processing. Following the manufacturer's guidelines, OPG urine concentrations were quantified using a human osteoprotegerin TNFRSF11b ELISA kit from Sigma-Aldrich. A microplate reader helped to carry out OPG data analysis and processing. Our results highlight that OPG urine concentrations were decreased 3 days after drug dosage (mean predosage OPG concentration, 61.4 ± 24.1 pg/mL; vs mean postdosage OPG concentration, 45.7 ± 22.1 pg/mL; P = .02, Wilcoxon rank test). Among the 14 volunteers enrolled in the study, 4 subjects had an increase of less than 1-fold, and the rest showed an average of a 2-fold decrease in OPG concentration (range, 1.1-5.4; standard deviation, 1.3) after exemestane administration. There was no association between fold decrease in OPG urine concentration and the pharmacokinetics of the major parent drug (exemestane) and its enzymatic product (17-hydroexemestane). We concluded that one of the off-target pharmacological effects of AIs (eg ,exemestane) may result in the reduction of osteoprotegerin.

Nordic walking for women with breast cancer: A systematic review

Nordic walking (NW) seems to be an interesting rehabilitation strategy for women with breast cancer (BC). No review article that has synthesised and summarised the existing scientific evidence about the effect of NW on BC survivors has been published so far. A systematic review was conducted aimed at identifying the characteristics and methodological quality of the studies that have analysed the effects of NW on women with BC. The critical appraisal of the randomised controlled trials (RCTs) was retrieved from the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro). The methodological quality of the uncontrolled studies was evaluated by means of the Quality Assessment Tool for Before-After Studies with No Control Group. Nine investigations (four RCTs and five quasi-experimental studies) were included in the final analysis. The RCTs showed a fair methodological quality, while the quasi-experimental studies obtained a score ranging from "fair" to "poor". Judging from the findings of the analysed studies, NW had a significant and positive impact on a number of BC symptoms, including lymphedema, physical fitness, disability and morbid perceptions. No adverse effects were reported. However, due to the methodological limitations observed, further research is needed to confirm such findings.