The efficacy of a comprehensive bone health program in maintaining bone mineral density in postmenopausal women with early-stage breast cancer treated with endocrine therapy: real-world data

Background Aromatase inhibitors (AI) are the gold standard treatment option for hormone-sensitive postmenopausal women with breast cancer. Several studies had documented the accelerated bone loss associated with AI. Aims In this study, we present real-world data describing the efficacy of implementing a comprehensive bone health program to maintain bone mineral density (BMD) in postmenopausal patients with early-stage breast cancer treated with AI. Methods A comprehensive bone health program that includes counseling, exercise, nutritional advice, vitamin D supplements and, when needed, intravenous bisphosphonate infusion was implemented following the initiation of endocrine therapy with AI. Postmenopausal women with hormone-sensitive, early-stage breast cancer treated with endocrine therapy using AI were retrospectively identified. All patients had BMD measurements before and at least 1 year after ET initiation. Results A total of 210 patients were included, median (range) age 67 (43-86) years. At baseline, osteoporosis was documented in 38 (18.1%) and osteopenia in 101 (48.1%) patients. Despite the known negative effect of AI, 32 (84.2%) patients with baseline osteoporosis and 69 (68.3%) of those with osteopenia, had a stable or better BMD. On the other hand, 41 (57.7%) of those with normal baseline BMD had a drop in their follow up BMD, p < 0.001. Vertebral fractures were reported in 3 (11.1%) patients with osteoporosis compared to none in patients with normal BMD, p = 0.021. Conclusions Despite the known negative effect of ET on bone health of breast cancer patients, implementing a comprehensive bone health program stabilized or improved BMD.

Automated summary

This study suggests that implementing a comprehensive bone health program can maintain or improve bone mineral density in postmenopausal patients with early-stage breast cancer treated with aromatase inhibitors.