What are bisphosphonates used for?

What are bisphosphonates used for?

Bisphosponates such as risedronate (Actonel), alendronate (Fosamax), ibandronate (Boniva), zoledronic acid (Reclast), and pamidronate (Aredia) are used to treat and prevent osteoporosis—or, bone thinning—which occurs when the bones lose calcium and other minerals that help keep them strong and compact.

Can bisphosphonates prevent breast cancer?

A drug with many uses Previous trials have shown bisphosphonates might help lower the risk of developing breast cancer in postmenopausal women and reduce recurrence and death in early stage breast cancer patients.

What is the mechanism of action of bisphosphonates?

Mechanism of action — The bisphosphonates inhibit osteoclastic bone resorption via a mechanism that differs from that of other antiresorptive agents [2-4]. Bisphosphonates attach to hydroxyapatite binding sites on bony surfaces, especially surfaces undergoing active resorption.

Do bisphosphonates affect immune system?

This work suggests that bisphosphonates have the potential to depress the innate immune system for a prolonged time, possibly contributing to the pathogenesis of BRONJ.

Are bisphosphonates necessary?

There isn’t only one right decision. If you are at a higher risk of having a fracture, taking bisphosphonates is more likely to help you prevent a fracture. If your risk of a fracture is lower, it’s less likely that these medicines will help you.

Which bisphosphonate is best for breast cancer?

Zometa (chemical name: zoledronic acid) is the bisphosphonate doctors most commonly prescribe to reduce recurrence risk (the cancer coming back) after surgery and chemotherapy for early-stage breast cancer with a high risk of recurrence.

Do bisphosphonates lower immune system?

What cells do bisphosphonates act?

Bisphosphonates act on rat bone resorption through the mediation of osteoblasts. J Clin Invest 1993;91:2004-11.

Is zoledronic acid a chemo drug?

Zoledronic acid (Zometa) is not cancer chemotherapy, and it will not slow or stop the spread of cancer. However, it can be used to treat bone disease in patients who have cancer. Zoledronic acid is in a class of medications called bisphosphonates.

Who should avoid bisphosphonates?

Clinicians should avoid oral bisphosphonates in patients who are at a higher risk of these gastrointestinal adverse effects, including those who are not able to sit upright for at least 30 minutes after taking the bisphosphonate, and patients with esophageal disorders such as achalasia, esophageal stricture, Barrett’s …

What bisphosphonate drugs can treat advanced prostate cancer?

The most common bisphosphonate given to men with advanced prostate cancer is called zoledronic acid (Zometa®). It is given through a drip into a vein in the arm. Make sure you drink plenty of water before each treatment – this can help lower your risk of getting kidney problems.

How do bisphosphonates treat osteoporosis?

Bisphosphonates, like alendronate ( Binosto, Fosamax ), ibandronate acid ( Boniva ), and risedronic acid ( Actonel, Atelva ) treat osteoporosis by keeping the body from breaking down bone. You take Boniva once a month, while the others can be taken weekly.

How is bisphosphonate therapy used to treat prostate cancer?

Bisphosphonate Therapy for Patients with Prostate Cancer. Bisphosphonates, or bisphosphonates therapy, refers to a category of drugs that work by slowing a group of bone cells known as osteoclasts, which usually are responsible for breaking down the hard mineral structure of bones to help keep them healthy.

Can Fosamax cause cancer?

Fosamax may be tied to 23 cases of esophageal cancer, a new report says. There could be some worrying news for the tens of millions of Americans currently taking Fosamax. A brief report published today in the New England Journal of Medicine suggests a possible link between the osteoporosis drug and the development of esophageal cancer.