Bone Response to Therapy in Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): Vinholes J, Coleman R, Lacombe D, Rose C, Tubiana-Hulin M, Bastit P, Wildiers J, Michel J, Leonard R, Nortier J, Mignolet F, Ford J
Primary Institution: EORTC (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer), Breast Cancer Cooperative Group, Brussels, Belgium
Hypothesis
Can new bone resorption and tumor markers serve as alternatives to serial plain radiographs for assessing treatment response in breast cancer patients with bone metastases?
Conclusion
Ntx was identified as the most useful bone marker for assessing treatment response in breast cancer patients with bone metastases.
Supporting Evidence
- 41% of patients had elevated Ntx levels before treatment.
- Ntx was the most useful bone marker for assessing response.
- The diagnostic efficiency for predicting progressive disease was 78% for Ntx.
Takeaway
The study looked at how well certain markers in the body can show if treatment is working for breast cancer that has spread to the bones.
Methodology
Patients were randomized to receive oral pamidronate or placebo, and various bone and tumor markers were measured over time.
Limitations
The study was limited to patients who were assessable for radiographic response and had samples collected for more than 1 month.
Participant Demographics
Patients had newly diagnosed bone metastases from breast cancer.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p ≤ 0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website