 |
|
Study identifies causes of bone loss in breast cancer survivors
November 20, 2008Cancer drugs aren't the only culprits
MAYWOOD -- Osteoporosis is a growing concern among breast cancer survivors and their doctors, because certain cancer drugs can cause bone loss.
But a new study has found that cancer drugs aren't the only culprits. Among 64 breast cancer patients referred to a bone health clinic, 78 percent had at least one other cause of bone loss, including vitamin D deficiency, excessive calcium excretion in urine and an overactive parathyroid gland.
"Doctors evaluating breast cancer patients for possible bone loss should look further than cancer drugs," said Dr. Pauline Camacho, lead author of the study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Camacho is an associate professor in the department of medicine, division of endocrinology and metabolism, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.
A co-author of the study, Dr. Kathy Albain, said breast cancer survivors "are just like the normal population as they age in that bone loss can be due to many treatable causes." Albain is a professor in the Department of Medicine, division of hematology/oncology at Stritch.
Previous studies have found that chemotherapy drugs can cause bone loss. Studies also have found that a class of breast cancer drugs called aromatase inhibitors can decrease bone mineral density and increase the risk of fractures in postmenopausal women. Aromatase inhibitors decrease the body's production of estrogen. While estrogen feeds cancer, it also protects against osteoporosis. Aromatase inhibitors include letrozole (trade name, Femara), anastrazole (Arimidex) and exemestane (Aromasin).
Researchers reviewed charts of 238 consecutive postmenopausal patients who had osteoporosis or osteopenia and were referred to the Loyola's Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease Center from 2000 to 2006. (Osteopenia is lower than normal bone mineral density, but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis.) The patients included 64 women with breast cancer referred from Loyola's Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center and 174 patients without breast cancer referred from primary care physicians.
Thirty eight percent of the breast cancer patients had vitamin D deficiency, compared with 51 percent of the non breast cancer patients. Another cause of osteoporosis, excessive calcium excretion in urine, was found in 16 percent of cancer patients and 8 percent of noncancer patients. And in 5 percent of patients, the parathyroid gland was overactive, producing a hormone that causes bone to lose calcium.
Vitamin D deficiency can be treated with prescription doses of vitamin D supplements. Excessive calcium excretion can be treated with a "water pill" that's also used to treat high blood pressure, Camacho said. There are various treatments for parathyroid gland disorder, depending on its cause.
In certain breast cancer patients, bone loss from cancer drugs can be treated with osteoporosis drugs such as alendronate sodium (Fosamax) and ibandronate sodium (Boniva), Camacho said.
Albain refers all her breast cancer patients for a comprehensive bone health evaluation when osteopenia or osteoporosis is discovered. "Just prescribing a medication for osteoporosis may not be enough for many of our patients," Albain said. "They deserve a thorough workup."
Patient Rosaleen O'Connor, 71, of Elmhurst, Il., learned she had osteoporosis while being treated by Albain for breast cancer. Albain referred O'Connor to Camacho, who prescribed calcium supplements, prescription vitamin D and the osteoporosis drug Boniva. Three years after O'Connor was diagnosed, her Stage 3 cancer is in remission, and she has suffered no bone fractures.
Loyola University Health System
"Doctors evaluating breast cancer patients for possible bone loss should look further than cancer drugs," said Dr. Pauline Camacho, lead author of the study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Camacho is an associate professor in the department of medicine, division of endocrinology and metabolism, Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine.
A co-author of the study, Dr. Kathy Albain, said breast cancer survivors "are just like the normal population as they age in that bone loss can be due to many treatable causes." Albain is a professor in the Department of Medicine, division of hematology/oncology at Stritch.
Previous studies have found that chemotherapy drugs can cause bone loss. Studies also have found that a class of breast cancer drugs called aromatase inhibitors can decrease bone mineral density and increase the risk of fractures in postmenopausal women. Aromatase inhibitors decrease the body's production of estrogen. While estrogen feeds cancer, it also protects against osteoporosis. Aromatase inhibitors include letrozole (trade name, Femara), anastrazole (Arimidex) and exemestane (Aromasin).
Researchers reviewed charts of 238 consecutive postmenopausal patients who had osteoporosis or osteopenia and were referred to the Loyola's Osteoporosis and Metabolic Bone Disease Center from 2000 to 2006. (Osteopenia is lower than normal bone mineral density, but not low enough to be classified as osteoporosis.) The patients included 64 women with breast cancer referred from Loyola's Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center and 174 patients without breast cancer referred from primary care physicians.
Thirty eight percent of the breast cancer patients had vitamin D deficiency, compared with 51 percent of the non breast cancer patients. Another cause of osteoporosis, excessive calcium excretion in urine, was found in 16 percent of cancer patients and 8 percent of noncancer patients. And in 5 percent of patients, the parathyroid gland was overactive, producing a hormone that causes bone to lose calcium.
Vitamin D deficiency can be treated with prescription doses of vitamin D supplements. Excessive calcium excretion can be treated with a "water pill" that's also used to treat high blood pressure, Camacho said. There are various treatments for parathyroid gland disorder, depending on its cause.
In certain breast cancer patients, bone loss from cancer drugs can be treated with osteoporosis drugs such as alendronate sodium (Fosamax) and ibandronate sodium (Boniva), Camacho said.
Albain refers all her breast cancer patients for a comprehensive bone health evaluation when osteopenia or osteoporosis is discovered. "Just prescribing a medication for osteoporosis may not be enough for many of our patients," Albain said. "They deserve a thorough workup."
Patient Rosaleen O'Connor, 71, of Elmhurst, Il., learned she had osteoporosis while being treated by Albain for breast cancer. Albain referred O'Connor to Camacho, who prescribed calcium supplements, prescription vitamin D and the osteoporosis drug Boniva. Three years after O'Connor was diagnosed, her Stage 3 cancer is in remission, and she has suffered no bone fractures.
Loyola University Health System
Science News and Science Current Events Tag Cloud
This tag cloud is a visual representation of term frequencies of random science news topics with common terms grouped together and emphasized by their display size.
Depleted Uranium Kidney Disease Menopause Cox-2 Inhibitors Superconductors Particle Physics Quality Of Life Cardiac Arrest Birth Defects Mammograms Genome Sequencing Sea Urchin Mitochondrial Nitric Oxide Insulin Erectile dysfunction Malpractice Child Care Bacteria Influenza Carbon Nanotubes Pneumococcal Technology MRI Fossil Fuel
See More: Science News Tags
Osteoporosis Current Events and Osteoporosis News RSSADA releases updated position paper on vegetarian diets
The American Dietetic Association has released an updated position paper on vegetarian diets that concludes such diets, if well-planned, are healthful and nutritious for adults, infants, children and adolescents and can help prevent and treat chronic diseases including heart disease, cancer, obesity and diabetes.
Predicting the return of prostate cancer: New Johns Hopkins study betters the odds of success
Cancer experts at Johns Hopkins say a study tracking 774 prostate cancer patients for a median of eight years has shown that a three-way combination of measurements has the best chance yet of predicting disease metastasis.
Vitamin D deficiency is widespread and on the increase
Report shows that populations across the globe are suffering from the impact of low levels of vitamin D, with highest rates in South Asia and the Middle East.
Mayo Clinic study finds celiac disease 4 times more common than in 1950s
Celiac disease, an immune system reaction to gluten in the diet, is over four times more common today than it was 50 years ago, according to findings of a Mayo Clinic study published this month in the journal Gastroenterology.
Monitoring bone density in older women is unnecessary and potentially misleading
Monitoring bone mineral density in postmenopausal women taking osteoporosis drugs (bisphosphonates) is unnecessary and potentially misleading.
Dr. Ronald Lewis Couples' treatment for sexual problems on the agenda for sexual medicine experts
Couples' treatment for sexual problems and other innovative approaches to improving sexual health for men and women are on the agenda of sexual medicine experts.
Data: Actual imaging use far below President's rec. 95 percent utilization rate for Medicare
The amount of time imaging equipment is in use in outpatient settings does not approach use rates President Obama and the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) recommend Medicare utilize to calculate reimbursement for imaging
Young adults not drinking enough milk
Calcium and dairy products play major roles in health maintenance and the prevention of chronic disease. Because peak bone mass is not achieved until the third decade of life, it is particularly important for young adults to consume adequate amounts of calcium, protein and vitamin D found in dairy products to support health and prevent osteoporosis later in life.
Researchers describe 'implausible' chemistry that produces herbicidal compound
A soil microbe that uses chemical warfare to fight off competitors employs an unusual chemical pathway in the manufacture of its arsenal, researchers report, making use of an enzyme that can do what no other enzyme is known to do: break a non-activated carbon-carbon bond in a single step.
Is vitamin D deficiency linked to Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia?
There are several risk factors for the development of Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. Based on an increasing number of studies linking these risk factors with Vitamin D deficiency.
More Osteoporosis Current Events and Osteoporosis News Articles
 |
The Myth of Osteoporosis by Gillian Sanson (Author) "Gill Sanson's book is a well-researched breath of fresh air that will help women everywhere better trust the wisdom of their bodies." -- Christiane Northrup, M.D. The Myth of Osteoporosis is a research-based work that provides clear insight into the myths of osteoporosis. These myths motivate both patient and physician into a lifetime of unnecessary testing and drug therapy — therapy that can in fact be life-threatening. Gillian Sanson's well-documented explanation of these myths can spare women great anxiety. She takes the fear out of aging and restores women's sense of control over their bodies. She gives women good reasons for challenging the common way that osteoporosis is handled in the United States and in many other industrialized nations. |
 |
Skeletal Fitness by Mirabai Holland - Osteoporosis Prevention Bone Loading and Strength Training Exercises:A Workout For Bones Starring: MFA Mirabai Holland Directed By: F. Sebastian Marino Skeletal Fitness by Mirabai Holland® is a 1 hour Bone Loading video to help combat osteoporosis by leading exercise expert, Mirabai Holland, M.F.A. Bones are living tissue and become more dense with exercise. Studies show that tennis players, through repeated practice, will develop thicker, stronger bones in their racquet arm than in their other arm. This process is called bone loading. Skeletal Fitness™is a comprehensive bone loading program for the whole body, with special emphasis on the areas at risk for osteoporotic fracture: the spine, thigh bone at the hip, and forearm at the wrist. Skeletal Fitness™ video includes: A one-on-one bone loading workout divided into 6 color coded sections making it easy for beginners to stop and go, or fast forward to any section that needs... |
 |
OsteoPeak Natural Personalized Bone Care Solution, 180 Capsules by OsteoPeak OsteoPeak® Natural is a new dietary supplement for increasing bone mineral density without any hormonal ingredients. OsteoPeak® Natural contains OPB¿ (OsteoPeak Proprietary Blend), a patented herbal blend of Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch and Eleutherococcus senticosus Max. One ingredient of the blend stimulates the activity of bone-forming cells while another inhibits the activity of bone-destroying cells. OsteoPeak® Natural brings superior benefits for strong healthy bones that other supplements alone cannot bring. |
 |
Preventing and Reversing Osteoporosis : What You Can Do About Bone Loss--A Leading Expert's Natural Approach to Increasing Bone Mass by Alan Gaby (Author) You Can Fight—and Even Reverse—Bone Loss How strong are your bones? At 35, a woman's battle against bone loss begins. And, it intensifies with menopause and beyond. Conventional medicine has offered such controversial therapies as estrogen replacement, a treatment that is potentially dangerous and only partially effective. Now, Dr. Gaby, one of the foremost authorities on nutritional and natural medicine, offers practical advice on osteoporosis that substantially increases a woman's chances for maintainting and even regaining normal bone mass. Inside you'll learn: ·How diet can help or hurt your bones ·How food allergies contribute to osteoporosis ·Which types of exercise are beneficial ·Why vitamin K is as important for bones as calcium ·And much more!... |
 |
Pilates Exercises for Osteoporosis Pilates Exercises for Osteoporosis DVD was designed by physical therapist, Sherri Betz to help you incorporate safe Pilates exercises into your bone building program. Many Pilates exercises can be contraindicated and unsafe for those with low bone density. By modifying Joseph Pilates' basic exercises and incorporating sound physical therapy principles, you will learn the best exercises to build the bones of the most vulnerable areas of the hip and spinal vertebrae. This product is manufactured on demand using DVD-R recordable media. Amazon.com's standard return policy will apply. |
 |
Osteoporosis: An Exercise Guide by Margie Bissinger (Author), Margie Bissinger (Editor), Cecil Byk (Editor) One of the most practical exercise guides written to help fight against osteoporosis and low bone mass. Ms. Bissinger utilizes her years of experience teaching and treat patients to create an easy to use, simple exercise guide. Beautifully illustrated, the exercises offer an effective program to improve strength, balance, and posture. Thanks to her years as a physicial therapist, she has provided an unique section illustrating safe ways to perform many activities one performs on a daily basis. Safe ways to perform simple acts such as sitting, lifting, and sneezing are demonstrated in her section on "activities of Daily Living". |
 |
Building Bone Vitality : A Revolutionary Diet Plan to Prevent Bone Loss and Reverse Osteoporosis--Without Dairy Foods, Calcium, Estrogen, or Drugs by McGraw-Hill Calcium pills don't work. Dairy products don't strengthen bones. Drugs may be dangerous. For years, doctors have been telling us to drink milk, eat dairy products, andtake calcium pills to improve our bone vitality. The problem is, they're wrong.This groundbreaking guide uses the latest clinical studies and the most upto-date medical information to help you strengthen your bones, reduce therisk of fractures, and prevent osteoporosis. You'll learn why there's no proof ofcalcium's effectiveness, despite what doctors say, and why a low-acid diet isthe only proven way to prevent bone loss."This clear, convincing explanation of osteoporosis will change the way the world thinks about bone health. Lanou and Castleman prove beyond doubt that milk and dairy are the problem, not the solution."... |
 |
Building Bone Vitality: A Revolutionary Diet Plan to Prevent Bone Loss and Reverse Osteoporosis--Without Dairy Foods, Calcium, Estrogen, or Drugs by Amy Lanou (Author), Michael Castleman (Author) Calcium pills don't work. Dairy products don't strengthen bones. Drugs may be dangerous. For years, doctors have been telling us to drink milk, eat dairy products, and take calcium pills to improve our bone vitality. The problem is, they’re wrong. This groundbreaking guide uses the latest clinical studies and the most upto- date medical information to help you strengthen your bones, reduce the risk of fractures, and prevent osteoporosis. You’ll learn why there’s no proof of calcium’s effectiveness, despite what doctors say, and why a low-acid diet is the only effective way to prevent bone loss. "This clear, convincing explanation of osteoporosis will change the way the world thinks about bone health. Lanou and Castleman prove beyond... |
 |
Osteoporosis Protection for Life Starring: Joel Fuhrman, M.D. Directed By: Janice Marra Osteoporosis Protection For Life The #1 Bone Building Guide and Exercise Program Discover the best ways to protect your bones without drugs! * Get the Best Bone Building Exercises to do Anywhere Osteoporosis is combated most effectively through proper nutrition and exercise without the use of high risk medications like Fosomax, Boniva, and Actonell. In Osteoporosis Protection for Life, Dr. Fuhrman explains: the causes of osteoporosis; the problems with medications; how to see if you are at risk for a hip fracture and how to prevent one from happening to you. Join Dr. Fuhrman and his crew for a fun and vigorous bone-building... |
|
ACTION PLAN FOR OSTEOPOROSIS by SportsWorkout.com Build bone strength and prevent bone loss with Action Plan for Osteoporosis. Based on the most recent research, this exercise-based plan allows you to take an active role in improving the health of your musculoskeletal system and is a more effectiv |
| © 2009 BrightSurf.com |