Article Details - Overview
Case Studies in Breast Cancer Vol. 6, No. 7
Release Date: November 13, 2008
Expiration Date: November 13, 2009
Publication Overview
Authors
Charles L. Shapiro, MD; Maryam Lustberg, MD
Overview and Purpose
Women with breast cancer are surviving longer due to earlier detection and improvements in multimodality therapies, and the long-term maintenance of bone health is an important issue facing survivors of this disease. Natural menopause, surgical oophorectomy, gonadotropin-releasing hormone agonists, the use of aromatase inhibitors, and ovarian suppression resulting from systemic chemotherapy can all upset the balance between bone formation and resorption, leading to osteoporosis. Preliminary evidence in postmenopausal women suggests that bone-depleting effects that are independent of antiestrogen therapeutic intervention could occur with cytotoxic drugs. Several bisphosphonates are currently approved in the treatment of osteoporosis, and significant reductions in hip and vertebral fractures have been reported with the use of these agents. Supplementing vitamin D intake and new antibody-based therapies designed to inhibit bone-resorption mechanisms also show promise in reducing bone loss associated with natural aging or cancer therapy. Oncologists should be aware of bone health issues related to the treatment of early-stage cancer, particularly in older women who are osteoporotic or have associated risk factors, in order to ensure an acceptable quality of life for patients who could live for many years beyond completion of their therapy.
The purpose of this activity is to educate physicians about existing options for the maintenance of bone health in women undergoing treatment for breast cancer.
Target Audience
This activity is intended for medical oncologists involved in the care of patients with breast cancer. No specific skills or knowledge other than a basic training in oncology is required for successful participation in this activity.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this educational activity, you should be able to:
- Recognize risk factors for increased bone loss and fractures
- Evaluate the potential effects of cytotoxic chemotherapy on bone loss in women receiving treatment for breast cancer
- Assess the current options for the treatment of bone loss in women with osteoporosis who are undergoing treatment for breast cancer
Instructions for Participation
- Read the following information before entering the educational activity.
- Complete the Pretest.
- Study the educational activity.
- Complete the CME test.
- Answer the evaluation questions.
- After successful completion of the CME test and evaluation, you will receive your certificate of credit online.
CME credit will be granted for only 1 form of participation, either online or via the printed publication.
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