Role of bisphosphonates in prostate cancer bone metastases.

Bisphosphonate inhibitors of bone resorption have a variety of positive actions against prostate cancer cells in vitro and in preclinical animal models. In patients, they can reduce skeletal-related events and bone pain, as well as reduce the adverse effects of androgen deprivation therapy on skeletal integrity. The preclinical and clinical data to support this are reviewed here. Further clinical trials are required to determine whether bisphosphonates decrease tumor burden or increase patient survival or quality of life, and whether such adjuvant treatments will be cost-effective.