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Can chemotherapy itself cause bone loss?

Page last modified on: September 9, 2008

Question from Binney1: Can chemotherapy itself cause bone loss?: Answers —Charles Shapiro, M.D.: That's a good question. We don't know the answer to that, except to say that women in my study who retained their periods had no significant loss of bone. They had a transient loss of bone related to decreasing estrogen levels, but at one year, they had no significant change in their bone density. However, the women who became postmenopausal experienced a lot of bone loss and it was related to lowered levels of estrogen. So that's a question that remains to be answered. Our study suggested that it was the estrogen and not the chemotherapy itself that was responsible for the bone loss.; Marisa Weiss, M.D., Breastcancer.org president and founder: I know that everyone wants to thank you for your original research on this very important question.; Charles Shapiro, M.D.: Thank you.; Marisa Weiss, M.D., Breastcancer.org president and founder: You're welcome.

On Wednesday, August 21, 2002, our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Keeping Your Bones Strong. Charles L. Shapiro, M.D. and Marisa Weiss, M.D. answered your questions about how to measure the strength of your bones, how to find out your risk for osteoporosis, and what you can do to lower that risk.

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

Charles L. Shapiro, M.D.

Charles L. Shapiro, M.D. is a medical oncologist specializing in breast cancer, and associate professor at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Marisa Weiss, M.D. is a radiation oncologist specializing in breast cancer and the founder, president, and guiding force behind Breastcancer.org.

Breastcancer.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease. Learn more about our commitment to providing complete, accurate, and private breast cancer information.

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