Oral clodronate and reduction in loss of bone mineral density in women with operable primary breast cancer.

Abstract

Women with primary breast cancer who receive systemic therapy may experience ovarian failure or early menopause, leading to a loss of bone mineral density (BMD). Loss of BMD may be reduced by use of bisphosphonates, compounds that inhibit the action of osteoclasts (cells that absorb or remove bone tissue). We have conducted a double-blind, randomized, two-center trial to evaluate BMD in women with primary breast cancer who were given the bisphosphonate clodronate (1600 mg/day orally) or placebo for 2 years.