Expert interview Prof Michael Gnant

Bisphosphonates and breast cancer

Target audience:

This educational activity is intended for medical, surgical and radiation oncologists, as well as allied oncology professionals who treat breast cancer.

Statement of need:

Familiarity with the side effects of tamoxifen to treat breast cancer is widespread, but not so for the new agents. Of particular relevance is the observation of more bone related events after treatment with aromatase inhibitors, and this has led to experimentation with concomitant bisphosphonates. This is a family of medicines which were developed to prevent or treat established bone metastases. A potential extra benefit may unexpectedly be emerging, namely synergy with endocrine treatments. At least one trial has suggested that one of the family, adds not only advantages in control and prevention of bone complications of breast cancer, but also prolonged disease free survival. In Germany this approach has become an accepted standard, but in other countries there is hesitation in adopting bisphosphonates routinely. This expert interview will provide clinicians with the evidence for anti-tumour properties of bone targeted therapies.

Learning objective:

After watching this expert interview participants should be able to:

• Understand the raison d'être of use of bisphosphonates in management of bone metastases, and the preventive potential in patients without visible bone involvement.
• Understand the clinical benefits of adding bisphosphonate to endocrine therapy to potentially increase their antitumour efficacy.
• Be aware of emerging therapeutic strategies incorporated in new clinical trials to treat breast cancer which has already progressed.

 

This scientific information may include data/information on investigational uses of compounds/drugs that have not yet been approved by regulatory authorities.

This material was developed for use outside of the US and is to be used in accordance with local laws and regulations.

Supported by an unrestricted educational grant from Novartis.