Management of castration-resistant prostate cancer: bisphosphonates and emerging therapies

Expert Rev Anticancer Ther. 2010 Dec;10(12):1991-2002. doi: 10.1586/era.10.191.

Abstract

Approximately 70% of patients with prostate cancer will develop bone metastases that often lead to bone pain and skeletal-related events. Several bisphosphonates have shown promising activity for palliating pain. Only zoledronic acid has significantly delayed the onset and reduced the incidence of skeletal-related events in men with castration-resistant prostate cancer. In addition, studies suggest that bisphosphonates have anticancer activity that may prevent disease progression and improve survival. Clodronate was shown to improve survival in a study of men with metastatic androgen-sensitive prostate cancer. Emerging therapies are being investigated for their ability to maintain bone health. The findings presented herein highlight the importance of bone-targeted therapies for patients with bone metastases from prostate cancer.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / pharmacology
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Bone Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Bone Neoplasms / secondary
  • Diphosphonates / pharmacology
  • Diphosphonates / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Orchiectomy / methods
  • Pain / drug therapy
  • Pain / etiology
  • Palliative Care / methods
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / surgery
  • Survival

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Diphosphonates