Pathophysiology and implications of cancer treatment-induced bone loss.

Many prostate and breast cancer patients will experience bone complications, including but not limited to skeletal fracture and spinal cord compression. Bone loss resulting from the treatment of cancer is increasingly recognized as a complication of the hypogonadal state induced by cancer therapies. Early diagnosis and treatment of bone loss are important interventions for the maintenance of bone health in cancer patients on hormone-depletion therapy. Identification of patients at risk for skeletal fracture is important for interventions that may reduce the incidence of disability and future fractures. Basic treatment for bone loss in general includes calcium and vitamin D supplementation, but the most effective option is treatment with various types of bisphosphonates. This paper will explore treatment-induced bone loss in detail, with a concentration on bisphosphonate therapy.