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Updated: Jun 2, 2026

Models of Bone Metastasis
08:49

Models of Bone Metastasis

Published on: September 4, 2012

New developments for treatment and prevention of bone metastases

Jean-Jacques Body1

  • 1Department of Medicine, CHU Brugmann, Université Libre de Bruxelles (U.L.B.), Brussels, Belgium. jean-jacques.body@chu-brugmann.be

Current Opinion in Oncology
|April 27, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Recent trials show denosumab is superior or noninferior to zoledronic acid for preventing skeletal events in bone metastases. Both bone resorption inhibitors have risks, including osteonecrosis of the jaw.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Bone metastases are a common complication of solid tumors, leading to significant morbidity.
  • Bone resorption inhibitory drugs, including bisphosphonates and denosumab, are crucial in managing bone metastases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To critically review recent clinical trials on bone resorption inhibitors for treating and preventing bone metastases in solid tumors.
  • To compare the efficacy and safety of bisphosphonates (zoledronic acid) and denosumab.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of recent clinical trial data.
  • Comparative analysis of skeletal-related event prevention and adverse effects.

Main Results:

  • Zoledronic acid is a standard treatment for metastatic bone disease.
  • Denosumab demonstrated superior or noninferior skeletal-related event prevention compared to zoledronic acid in various solid tumors.
  • Osteonecrosis of the jaw is a significant side effect for both drug classes.
  • Zoledronic acid may reduce breast cancer recurrence rates.

Conclusions:

  • Significant advancements have been made in treating tumor bone disease with bone resorption inhibitors.
  • Further research is needed to improve the prevention of bone metastases.

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