Download final outline programme     View conference abstracts

Eugene McCloskey (Sheffield, UK)

Cancer treatment-induced bone loss

Topics to be covered

Oestrogens deprivation - achieved by blocking or reducing endogenous levels of oestrogen - forms the basis of endocrine treatments for breast cancer. Even postmenopausal levels of oestrogen have protective effects on bone mineral density so that very low circulating oestrogen levels increase fracture risk. Third generation aromatase inhibitors (AIs) reduce the already low circulating oestrogen levels by a further 80 to 90%. Current evidence suggests that all AIs appear to have similar adverse effects on bone turnover, BMD and fracture risk. It is now widely recognised that hormonal interventions to treat prostate cancer also have a significant, largely negative, impact on bone health. The exception to this rule may be the use of androgen receptor blockade. Androgen deprivation therapy, however achieved, is associated with rapid bone loss and a significant 40-50% increase in future fracture risk.

Educational goals

After attending this Meet the Professor session, participants will be expected to:

• understand the pathophysiology of bone loss during cancer therapy;
• be familiar with the impact of different therapies;
• appreciate the interaction with other risks for osteoporotic fracture;
• understand therapeutic strategies

Target audience

Physicians, oncologists, urologists, nurses and allied health care professionals involved in the management of patients with breast or prostate cancer.

Teaching methods

An interactive case-based discussion, with handouts but no other visual aids.