Treatment Induced Bone Loss in Premenopausal Women - study

Jennt28

Not sure if anyone has seen this study (link below). The "take home" message is:

"Premenopausal women treated with cytotoxic chemotherapy and/or estrogen therapy for breast cancer are at substantial risk for bone loss. It is recommended that patients be informed of the risk before starting treatment and that those who may benefit from bisphosphonates be identified so as to start treatment early."

http://www.oncologystat.com/journals/journal_scans/Cancer_Treatment_Induced_Bone_Loss_in_Premenopausal_Women_A_Need_for_Therapeutic_Intervention.html

regards Jenn

cp418

Well this situation described my treatment status in 2007.  My Oncologist would not / could not prescribe Zometa infusions until I was dx with Osteopenia.  Insurance would not pay for it otherwise.  Hopefully the insurance criteria has recently changed  - or how else would a patient be given bisphosphonates?? 

LouLou40

Hi Jenn, I'm in Aus as well and unfortunately bisphosphates are not covered by the PBS unless you have a minimal stress fracture or post menopausal with severe osteoporosis, (osteopenia is not covered).

The makers of the AI's have a program that will fund them for patients with decreased bone loss if they are taking their AI so they can stay on them.

My first DEXA scan showed osteopenia this was after chemo pror to starting Arimidex (6 mths of chemo induced menopause), I was 40. After one year on the AI my DEXA showed an 11% decreased in BMD, so now osteoporosis, ceased the AI and commenced Zometa infusions,

My Onc said the rate of my BMD loss on the AI was "alarming" and not usual and that I should never take an AI again, my risk factor for ostoporosis was being small framed and low weight, my Vit D levels were hight side of normal.

I'm now premenopausal again but my BMD hasn't improved despite zometa, weight bearing excercise and suppliments, my GP says it will take a long time to see any improvement, she is hoping I don't have any further bone loss.

I'm not sure who is funding my Zometa infusions as I have never asked (my Onc deals with that side of things), but I do feel a bit ripped of having had BC and osteoprosis by the time I was 41 considering I'm very fit and healthy, never smoked, don't drink and go to the gym and no risk factors for BC either...............but  I'm alive, very fit and healthy again and life is great.

I am not on any hormone therapy as my Onc say the potienital for further bone loss outweighs the benefit as my hormone receptors are low.