Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 9, 2026

In Vivo and Ex Vivo Approaches to Study Ovarian Cancer Metastatic Colonization of Milky Spot Structures in Peritoneal Adipose
Published on: October 14, 2015
Osteoporosis and Fracture Risk in Ovarian Cancer: Beyond the Oncologic Burden
Mariagrazia Irene Mineo1, Giorgio Arnaldi1, Valentina Guarnotta1
1Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties "G. D'Alessandro" (PROMISE), Section of Endocrinology, University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127 Palermo, Italy.
None:
Background/Objectives: Osteoporosis is a prevalent condition characterized by reduced bone mass and microarchitectural deterioration, resulting in increased fracture risk. Ovarian cancer represents a paradigmatic model of cancer-related bone loss, owing to the combined effects of abrupt surgical menopause, chemotherapy, and tumor-driven pro-resorptive mechanisms. Methods: We conducted a narrative review of the literature on skeletal health in ovarian cancer. We synthesized current evidence on the pathogenesis, diagnostic strategies, and management of bone loss in women with ovarian cancer, with the aim of providing a disease-specific framework for clinical practice. Results: Available evidence highlights a multifactorial "triple hit" to bone health in ovarian cancer: accelerated estrogen deficiency following bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, direct tumor-derived stimulation of osteoclast activity, and chemotherapy-induced skeletal toxicity. Despite the high incidence of bone loss and fractures, systematic bone health assessment is rarely integrated into oncological care. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) remains the cornerstone diagnostic tool, complemented by vertebral morphometry and fracture risk algorithms. Antiresorptive therapies, particularly bisphosphonates and denosumab, together with calcium, vitamin D, exercise, and fall-prevention strategies, have demonstrated efficacy in reducing fracture risk, although disease-specific guidelines are still lacking. Conclusions: Fracture prevention in ovarian cancer survivors is often overlooked despite its significant impact on morbidity and quality of life. Integrating bone health assessment and early antiresorptive therapy into care pathways is warranted, and future studies should develop tailored guidelines to make bone protection a key element of survivorship care.
More Related Videos
07:12Semiautomated Longitudinal Microcomputed Tomography-based Quantitative Structural Analysis of a Nude Rat Osteoporosis-related Vertebral Fracture Model
Published on: September 28, 2017
06:59Author Spotlight: An Economic and Efficient Method for Quantitative Evaluation of Bone Microarchitecture in a Murine Osteoporosis Model
Published on: September 8, 2023
Related Concept Videos
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Bone Remodeling
Osteoclasts in Bone Remodeling
Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...
Oogenesis
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...