Bisphosphonates and RANK Ligand Inhibitors for Metastatic Bone Disease

Early data from an ongoing randomized trials in the UK (Eur J Cancer 2010 May;46(7):1211-22) strongly suggest that denosumab might play a defined role in the future management of metastatic bone disease. The data tentatively suggest that zoledronic acid might have a role to play in the prevention of metastatic disease, though whether this is a direct effect on cancer cells, or indirect via the bone marrow micro-environment, or both, is as yet undiscovered. The definitive answer as to the role of adjuvant bisphosphonates in early cancer is being examined in over 20,000 patients with breast, prostate or lung cancer.

Details available at:Bisphosphonates and RANK ligand inhibitors for the treatment and prevention of metastatic bone disease Related content:Denosumab protects bones better than zoledronic acid in metastatic diseaseThe Role of Bisphosphonates in the Adjuvant Setting for Breast Cancer