Zometa infusion & breast cancer

Here's how I understand it. I have one more infusion remaining of my 3 year course. This drug was originally prescribed to patients to strengthen bones (like other biophosphonates), or guard against bone loss due to the side effects of other drugs (like AI's), but over the course of time, some studies have shown that this particular biophosphonate may have tumor suppression properties. I think the jury is still out on this. However, if there is a small bit of a chance that this might be true, personally I'm going for it. It was prescribed to me by a cancer center. My local oncologist knew nothing about it. My teeth, however, are a mess. That old risk/benefit conversation.

Hello,
did not know about this. I'm on Zometa since they put me on menopause and I'm also taking Anastrozole (I have MBC). This is not a great recipe for bones, hence the Zometa. I guess I'll be happy about this "bonus" effect 🙂
(On a side note, my oncologist once mentioned that it'd also be "good" for my bone metastasis)

This is my story as well. I also have a mess for teeth. They do warn you about having dental work but if you break a tooth, you have to do something and that’s when the problem starts. I have definitely learned to be gentle on my teeth. If it will help with Mets…………I am all the way in.

I did not know this either. I’m on Zometa also. I’ll be talking to my Oncologist. I also have an appointment w/ a Bone Health doctor on July. August will be my 3rd Zometa infusion. I was under the impression you had to do the infusion since taking Anastrozole.

@mdr3, are you saying Zometa or AIs are affecting teeth?

Zometa can help strengthen bones. It also has been implicated in necrosis of the jaw. Seems counter-intuitive, doesn't it? I can't have any major dental work until I am at least 6 mos. past my last infusion.

I refused the Zometa and I had to sign a document to that effect. In my opinion the side effects are worse than some of the cancer drugs especially the jaw and teeth. The study which is documented in another Zometa discussion on the Mayo forum shows 6% less of bone fractures than No Zometa and it does not have any anti cancer properties. I’m keeping my bones strong with proper diet, sunshine/vitamin D-K3 ,daily treadmill with incline and some yoga.
I don’t know how to link this discussion withe other one but the administrator can do it. It’s worth reading.
Best wishes to all of us as we search for a way out.
“First do no harm.”

Having extractions or anything that affect bone below the tooth puts you at a risk for jaw issues while taking Zometa. The dentist and hygienist can work with you before starting and during to minimize your risk of problems. Like anything, it is a cost vs benefit assessment for each of us. I love how our oncologist explains his reasoning for every recommendation. The thing that sold me was knowing the pain my husband had with a compression fracture. Every one of those takes away from his quality of life. If I can avoid that pain, I will.

Zometa is a bisphosphonate derivative. It can cause BRONJ osteonarcosis as can the bisphosphonates and Prolia. I know someone who was put on it after having had breast cancer and the person developed early signs of jaw bone issues and was taken off of it. If you think that you might be addressing complex dental issues in the future, please advise your physician to make sure zometa is right for you.

I have seen conflicting information about the benefits of zometa for breast cancer patients but leave that to oncologists and others with experience with AIs and zometa.

Apparently 10% develop jaw bone necrosis on the doses prescribed for cancer patients. It is hard to discern whether Zometa has an effect on the cancer itself (not just the effect on bones) since I have seen differing info online, but my doc implied there was this kind of benefit. Others here have posted on this as well.

I am with Chris on the pain of fractures. With metastasis to bones that risk is high. @pbnew I can't remember if you are stage 4. If not, then a partial dose of Reclast might be possible-? If your bones are not osteoporotic that is a different story!