Bone Mineral Density After Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
Author Information
Author(s): P.F. Bruning, M.J. Pit, M. de Jong-Bakker, A. van den Ende, A. Hart, A. van Enk
Primary Institution: The Netherlands Cancer Institute
Hypothesis
Does adjuvant chemotherapy for premenopausal breast cancer lead to premature osteoporosis?
Conclusion
Adjuvant chemotherapy may cause premature menopause and significantly decrease bone mineral density in premenopausal women.
Supporting Evidence
- 71% of women treated with chemotherapy were post-menopausal at the time of investigation.
- The mean age of menopause in cases was 41 years, compared to 51-52 years in the general population.
- Bone mineral density was significantly lower in post-menopausal women who received chemotherapy.
Takeaway
Chemotherapy can make women stop having their periods earlier than normal, which can lead to weaker bones.
Methodology
The study compared bone mineral density in women who received chemotherapy to matched controls who did not.
Limitations
The study size and cross-sectional design limit the ability to draw broader conclusions.
Participant Demographics
Eighty-eight Caucasian female patients aged 35 to 52 years.
Statistical Information
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website