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Bisphosphonates all the same? Zometa for post-menopause?

Page last modified on: March 17, 2010

Question from ChessM: Are all bisphosphonates the same? Are there any clinical trials that are currently under way that are testing Zometa with post-menopausal breast cancer survivors?: Answer —Generosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.P.: All bisphosphonates are not the same. They vary in their strength and their toxicity, and what role they each play in early-stage breast cancer is not yet well defined. The oral bisphosphonates -- clodronate (which is FDA approved in Europe for osteoporosis), Actonel (chemical name: risedronate), Fosamax (chemical name: alendronate sodium), and Boniva (chemical name: ibandronate), which are all approved by the FDA in the U.S., are all oral bisphosphonates of varying activity. They are less intensive than Zometa. There are several trials going, both in the United States and Europe, looking at all of these bisphosphonates in post-menopausal women with breast cancer. Again, we eagerly await the results of those trials to see if these agents have varying levels of anti-cancer activity as well as varying levels of toxicity.

On Wednesday, June 18, 2008 our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Updates from the 2008 ASCO Annual Meeting. Generosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.P. and Carol Kaplan, M.D. answered your questions about the latest research advances on screening, treatment, side effects, and more.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

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Meet the Experts

Generosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.P. is the director of the Cooper Cancer Institute and heads the division of hematology/medical oncology at Cooper University Hospital.

Carol Kaplan, M.D. is an assistant professor of clinical medicine in the Rena Rowan Breast Center at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Her work revolves around the clinical care of breast cancer patients, as well as teaching medical students and house staff.