Dr. Robert Coleman
Alison and I had the opportunity to hear Yorkshire Cancer Research Professor of Medical Oncology Dr. Rob Coleman, from Sheffield, England speak at Sunnybrook’s Odette Cancer Centre on Thursday. Sheffield is now notable for 3 things – leading research in bone health in cancer patients, high-quality surgical steel… and bringing the film The Full Monty to moviegoers everywhere! Dr. Coleman’s main research interest has been in cancer induced bone disease especially with relevance to breast cancer.
We had the chance to sit down for a quick Q & A with Dr. Coleman to ask about how his research about bisphosphonates (commonly used to protect bone health in patients who develop bone metastasis from their primary cancer & treat osteoporosis) impacts young women with breast cancer. Here’s what he had to say…
Q. What do young women with breast cancer need to know now about bisphosphonates (BPs)?
Q. What do young women with breast cancer need to know now about bisphosphonates (BPs)?
A. Two things. One - In the last 5 to 10 years we’ve become aware of the damage caused by chemotherapy to bones that are not protected. Young breast cancer patients should be aware that cancer treatments may cause or accelerate bone loss and possibly increase the risk of osteoporosis. During treatment their bone density should be monitored and BPs prescribed as required. Two – data from the Austrian clinical trial ABCSG-12 of 1,803 young women with ER+ breast cancer suggests that zoledronic acid, a BP currently in clinical trials around the world, can reduce breast cancer recurrence when given to patients following breast cancer surgery . And what’s really exciting for young women is that the results are showing a sustained effect, not just a temporary delay of recurrence. This data will be updated at the upcoming American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) conference in Chicago in early June, 2010.
Q. How common is it to prescribe bisphosphonates to young women with breast cancer?
Q. How common is it to prescribe bisphosphonates to young women with breast cancer?
A. It is uncommon, even when it comes to addressing bone loss. Such treatments have not been approved widely yet for use with young women fighting breast cancer, but as the results of the clinical trials become available, that could change.
Q. What do young women with breast cancer need to watch for in bisphosphonate research that is currently underway?
Q. What do young women with breast cancer need to watch for in bisphosphonate research that is currently underway?
A. The results of two studies being conducted right now, namely NSABP-B-34 and AZURE, will have a significant impact on the way oncologists will approach the adjuvant (post-surgical) treatment of breast cancer in young women incorporating bisphosphonates. The information we have tells us that BPs are well tolerated drugs with minimal side effects. We also know that the use of bisphosphonates can have a positive impact on reversing the damage to bones caused by chemotherapy.
Q. What questions should young women ask their doctors about bisphosphonates?
Q. What questions should young women ask their doctors about bisphosphonates?
A. I think it should be on the list of things that patients discuss with their doctors – to inquire about whether bisphosphonates can help to strengthen their bones and prevent breast cancer recurrence. Though the treatments have not been approved yet, the data indicates that could happen soon. Young women should keep a close watch on this innovation in treatment so that they can benefit from it as soon as possible.
Farheen Beg
Farheen Beg
Senior Manager, Support & Education Programs
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