Bone modifying agents in postmenopausal breast cancer patients treated with aromatase inhibitors: beyond bone protection?

Article type: Article Commentary

Authors: Villasco, Andrea^a; | Minella, Carola^a | Bounous, Valentina Elisabetta^a | Rosso, Roberta^a | Biglia, Nicoletta^a

Affiliations: [a] Academic Division of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Mauriziano Hospital, University of Turin, Turin, Italy

Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author: Andrea Villasco, Mauriziano Umberto I Hospital, University of Turin, Via Magellano 1, 10128 - Turin, Italy. Tel.:+39 011 5082682. E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract: Estrogen-receptor positive tumours represent the majority of breast cancers in postmenopausal women. Adjuvant endocrine therapy with aromatase inhibitors (AIs), continued for up to 10 years in high-risk patients, reduces by 40% the risk of recurrence. However, this therapy, among other side effects, is burdened with a higher incidence of osteoporotic bone fractures. To date, both bisphosphonates and denosumab are recognized as first-line drugs in the primary prevention of osteoporotic fractures in patients treated with AIs. They have demonstrated their effectiveness in increasing bone mineral density and in reducing the incidence of fractures, but they have also been shown to improve disease free survival (DFS).

DOI: 10.3233/BD-220014

Journal: Breast Disease, vol. 42, no. 1, pp. 1-4, 2023