Cancer treatment in women with breast cancer is apparently helped by adding bone drugs to the regimen, which boost survival rates years later.
Researchers analyzed data from about 1,800 women with early-stage breast cancer, half of whom were given the bone drug Zometa, a bisphosphonate that is generally used for treating osteoporosis but is given intravenously to treat cancer that has spread to the bone.
Results showed that years later, those who took Zometa had higher survival rates than others and less chance of seeing their cancer return. The difference was significant – 33 of the women who took Zometa had died, compared to 49 deaths in women who didn’t.
The researchers think that this benefit is due to the drug’s ability to strengthen bones, which makes it harder for cancer to spread there. Additionally, Zometa may keep cancer cells or microscopic tumors from spreading. The benefit is similar to other chemotherapy treatments.
Cancer specialists are now using Zometa more often for breast cancer patients who are experiencing early menopause due to receiving treatments that block hormones.
The research was presented last week at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.
