Dr. Gralow on the Use of Bisphosphonates in Early-Stage Breast Cancer

Julie R. Gralow, MD, director, Breast Medical Oncology, Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, clinical research division, member, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Care Center, professor, Medical Oncology Division, University of Washington School of Medicine, discusses the use of bisphosphonates.

At the 2014 Breast Cancer Symposium, Gralow and Anthony D. Elias, MD, from the University of Colorado Cancer Center, debated the use of bisphosphonates in early-stage breast cancer.

A recent meta-analysis looked at bisphosphonates in the adjuvant setting and the impact on recurrence and mortality. It was found that post-menopausal patients did see a reduction in recurrence, bone metastases, and mortality, while pre-menopausal patients did not.

While data is strengthening, questions remain regarding whether or not there is a better bisphosphonate, better schedule, or better population of patients.

<<<

View more from the 2014 Breast Cancer Symposium