Bisphosphonates in the management of breast cancer patients with bone metastases

Bone metastases (BM) are a common finding in breast cancer
patients. Approximately 25% of breast cancers spread first
to the bone. The majority of the bone lesions are osteolytic.
Osteoclast activation via tumor-derived growth factors and
cytokines play an important role in osteolytic BM in breast
cancer patients. Pain, hypercalcemia and bone fractures are
common complications of BM. Chemotherapy, hormonotherapy,
surgery, and radiotherapy are used with palliative intent
for management of breast cancer patients with BM. Additionally,
bisphosphonate treatments may reduce the incidence and
severity of skeletal complications. We review herein the role
of bisphosphonate use in the management of breast cancer
with BM.

Keywords: Bisphosphonates; bone metastases; breast cancer