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Updated: Jun 27, 2026
06:45
Task Interruption and Resumption Paradigm for Testing the Activation and Pursuit of an Abstract Thinking Goal
Published on: April 18, 2017
To stop or not to stop, that is the question
1Department of Endocrinology, Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Australia. egos@unimelb.edu.au
Summary
Stopping osteoporosis treatment may cause more harm than good, especially if patients do not adhere to therapy. Continued treatment is generally recommended due to limited evidence on long-term efficacy and safety. This is crucial for fracture prevention.
Area of Science:
- Bone biology and pharmacology
- Osteoporosis management
- Fracture prevention strategies
Background:
- Evidence for antifracture efficacy of osteoporosis treatments beyond 5 years is limited.
- Prolonged suppression of bone remodeling may lead to microdamage and increased tissue mineral density.
- Atypical fractures are rare but associated with long-term treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the risks and benefits of stopping osteoporosis treatment.
- To determine optimal duration for antifracture therapies.
- To inform clinical decisions regarding treatment continuation or cessation.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on osteoporosis treatment duration and outcomes.
- Analysis of evidence regarding bone remodeling suppression and microdamage accumulation.
- Consideration of fracture rates in relation to treatment adherence and cessation.
Main Results:
- Lack of credible antifracture efficacy data beyond 5 years due to cohort attrition and control issues.
- Animal studies show adverse effects of prolonged remodeling suppression, but structural benefits often outweigh them.
- Stopping treatment allows remodeling to resume, but fracture rates may increase in non-compliant patients.
Conclusions:
- Stopping osteoporosis treatment may result in net harm compared to continuation.
- Treatment should generally be continued in most individuals due to limited evidence on cessation benefits.
- Further research is needed to establish optimal treatment durations and safe stopping strategies.
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