Metastatic breast cancer is breast cancer that has spread to distant organs or parts of the body. The most common sites of metastasis include the bones, brain, liver, lungs and chest wall, according to Breastcancer.org. When breast cancer has spread to the bones, bone building supplements called bisphosphonates are typically part of treatment to help reduce the risk of fracture, alleviate bone pain, maintain bone strength and prevent new lesions, says the Breast Cancer Network of Strength. They are typically used in addition to chemotherapy or radiation.
Zoledronic Acid - Zometa
Zoledronic acid helps slow down bone resorption and breakdown. According to the Breast Cancer Network of Strength, it is the most commonly prescribed bisphosphonate for bone metastases. It is given intravenously over 15 minutes every three to four weeks, says the American Cancer Society. You need to consume plenty of fluids with this drug to reduce the risk of kidney damage. Patients usually receive intravenous fluids along with the medication. Side effects listed by the American Cancer Society include fever, flu-like symptoms, pain at the injection site, bone or joint pain, loss of appetite and constipation or diarrhea. Not everyone will have every side effects, and these usually subside once treatment is over. Prior to administration of this medication, you should ensure that your health care provider knows about any other medications you currently take on to avoid drug interactions.
Pamidronate - Aredia
Aredia, the brand name for the drug pamidronate, is a bisphosphonate used to treat bone damage from cancer, says Drugs.com. The drug is usually given intravenously over a period of anywhere between two and 24 hours, and can be given over the course of three days, or repeated once every three weeks, says Drugs.com. Serious side effects that warrant medical attention, include high fever, severe muscle or joint pain, minimal or absent urination, painful urination, rapid weight gain, confusion and irregular heart beat. Less severe side effects include low fever, stomach pain, loss of appetite, constipation and pain or swelling around the injection site, says Drugs.com.
Ibandronate - Boniva
Ibandronate, the brand name drug Boniva, is an oral bisphosphonate that is being studied for efficacy in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Drs. Tuy and Benevenia of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons state that in a study of patients with metastatic breast cancer, individuals taking ibandronate experienced reduced bone pain, although they did experience side effects like hypocalcemia and abdominal pain. Side effects are rare, and may include diarrhea, back pain, muscle aches, upset stomach, flu-like symptoms and loss of appetite, says the American Cancer Society. More research needs to take place with ibandronate before physicians can widely prescribe it for patients with metastatic breast cancer.
References
- Breastcancer.org: Where breast cancer might come back and how to detect it
- Breast Cancer Network of Strength: Metastatic breast cancer treatment: Cancer in bones
- American Cancer Society: Cancer drug guide: Zoledronic acid
- Drugs.com: Aredia
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Treatment Update: Using bisphosphonates for metastatic breast cancer
- American Cancer Society: Cancer Drug Guide: Ibandronate
