Effect of Bisphosphonates on Bone Mineral Density and Fracture Prevention in Gastric Cancer Patients After Gastrectomy

GOAL:To evaluate the effectiveness of bisphosphonates in preventing fractures in gastric cancer patients by increasing bone mineral density (BMD). BACKGROUND:The effectiveness of bisphosphonates is questionable in gastric cancer patients who have undergone gastrectomy, although they display a high prevalence of osteoporosis. STUDY:Forty-seven gastric cancer patients with osteoporosis were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were supplemented with calcium and vitamin D. Twenty-four patients were treated with bisphosphonate (bisphosphonate group) and 23 patients were untreated (control group). Fractures, severe bone pain, and adverse effects of bisphosphonates were monitored. BMD of the lumbar spine and femoral neck were measured before and 1-year treatment with bisphosphonates by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS:During a 1-year follow-up, 7 of the 47 (15%) patients developed new fractures. The bisphosphonate-treated group had a significantly lower fracture rate than the control group (n=1 vs. 6, P