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4 in 10 Fractures in Breast Cancer Patients Are Pathologic

Writer's picture: Women's Cancer Research FoundationWomen's Cancer Research Foundation


Breast cancer is associated with an increased fracture risk, attributed in part to estrogen deficiency, aromatase inhibitors (drugs frequently used in the treatment of breast cancer), frailty, and skeletal metastases. In a 2021 JAMA article, 40% of women with advanced-stage breast cancer endured cancer-related fractures.


40% of women with advanced-stage breast cancer endured cancer-related fractures.

The researchers studied 5,010 women on endocrine (hormone) therapy, who were followed for up to 10 years after an invasive breast cancer diagnosis for a clinical fracture. The mean age was 60; 91% had an early-stage breast cancer diagnosis. Three hundred and forty women had a fracture (46 in the hip, 104 in the vertebra, 78 in the humerus, and 137 in the wrist) during follow-up at a median of 6.7 years. The researchers further commented that differentiating between pathologic (disease related) and non-pathologic fractures is important for management decisions, as pathologic fractures may benefit from radiation treatment.


Researchers further commented that differentiating between pathologic (disease related) and non-pathologic fractures is important for management decisions.

Future research should focus on including risk factors to develop a prediction model for the development of pathologic fractures so that aggressive osteoporotic (disease that weakens bones) fracture prevention care (e.g., bisphosphonates, radiation therapy) can be instituted. Also, more frequent serial DEXA scans (type of medical imaging test to measure how dense your bones are), especially for advanced-stage breast cancer patients, may be considered to help with risk stratification (i.e., identifying those who would benefit from prompt aggressive interventions).


About Women’s Cancer Research Foundation The Women’s Cancer Research Foundation (WCRF) is one of Southern California’s and the nation’s most active research organizations for female cancers. We are dedicated to serving the interests of patients, families, and friends affected by women’s cancers. WCRF partners with physician-scientists nationally to make differences in women’s lives by offering hope, strength, and progress.



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FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE NANCY YEARY WOMEN'S CANCER RESEARCH FOUNDATION
IN MEMORY OF NANCY AND BOB YEARY

ABOUT US 

Since 1985, the physicians and researchers at the WCRF have been at the forefront of pioneering clinical research, aimed at enhancing cure rates among women diagnosed with breast, ovarian, uterine, and cervical cancers. WCRF actively engages in designing, conducting, and disseminating groundbreaking research focused on cutting-edge medical treatments.


Furthermore, WCRF serves as a vital hub for both foundational and applied research, as well as education, pertaining to the latest advancements in the treatment of breast and gynecologic cancers. In addition to conducting and publishing original research, the WCRF, provides valuable clinical information to physicians and patients alike.
 

 

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