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Breast cancer and bone metastases: a call for appropriate treatment

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Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study is to provide an overview of the potential barriers to uptake of bone-targeted agents for the prevention of skeletal-related events (SREs) in patients with breast cancer and bone metastases.

Methods

A top-line literature review was conducted to identify trends in and barriers to initiating bone-targeted therapy in patients with metastatic breast cancer.

Results

The majority of patients with bone metastases that are secondary to breast cancer clearly benefit from treatment with a bone-targeted agent such as the RANK ligand inhibitor denosumab or the bisphosphonate zoledronic acid, because both delay the onset of SREs. Evidence suggests, however, that these agents are not being used in these patients as per European guideline recommendations.

Conclusions

Adoption of a number of behavioral changes may help to overcome barriers to earlier initiation of treatment with bone-targeted agents in these patients. This includes raising awareness of the guidelines that are available for bone-targeted therapies, providing physician and patient education on the appropriate use of these agents, and highlighting to physicians the importance of early treatment and regular monitoring for adverse events. Earlier initiation of treatment should help to reduce the risk of SREs and thus lessen the burden that these debilitating skeletal complications place on patients and healthcare systems.

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Acknowledgments

This work was funded by Amgen (Europe) GmbH. Medical writing support was provided by Kim Allcott (PhD) from Oxford PharmaGenesis, Oxford, UK. Editorial support was provided by Emma Booth and Sarah Petrig of Amgen (Europe) GmbH.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12200, Berlin, Germany

    Diana Lüftner

  2. Amgen (Europe) GmbH, Dammstrasse 23, 6300, Zug, Switzerland

    Daniela Niepel

Authors
  1. Diana Lüftner
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  2. Daniela Niepel
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Correspondence to Diana Lüftner.

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Conflicts of interest

Diana Lüftner has received remuneration from Amgen and Novartis. She has worked as a consultant in an advisory role for Amgen and Novartis.

Daniela Niepel is an employee of Amgen (Europe) GmbH and holds stock.

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Lüftner, D., Niepel, D. Breast cancer and bone metastases: a call for appropriate treatment. Support Care Cancer 24, 4075–4077 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-016-3335-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00520-016-3335-7

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