Zometa infusions to help prevent bone loss from cancer treatments

Posted by trixie1313 @trixie1313, Jun 13, 2019

Has anyone had Zometa infusions to help combat the effects of aromatase inhibitors (bone loss). I have osteoporosis of my spine and osteopenia of the hip and am told I need this to prevent future fractures.

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I had Zometa infusions for a short time but had to stop it (on advice of my current oncologist) due to the need to have a tooth extracted since it can cause necrosis of the jaw. I was able to wait for almost 5 months to have the extraction but need more serious dental work so am currently on Letrozole. Not too many side effects but pretty severe neuropathy in the hands!

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Here’s some brief information from Mayo Clinic about whole body vibration:
- Is whole-body vibration a good way to lose weight and improve fitness? https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/expert-answers/whole-body-vibration/faq-20057958
Answer From Edward R. Laskowski, M.D.

It’s a short article, so I encourage you to read it all. But I’d like to highlight this excerpt:
“Some research shows that whole-body vibration, when performed correctly and under medical supervision when needed, can:
- Reduce back pain
- Improve strength and balance in older adults
- Reduce bone loss
… If you choose whole-body vibration, remember to do aerobic and strength training activities as well.
And because whole-body vibration can be harmful in some situations, check with your doctor before using it, especially if you're pregnant or have any health problems.”

Here’s another relevant article in plain language citing the promise of vibration therapy to help increase bone density. It echoes the Mayo Clinic article that while promising, research is early and ongoing and thus recommends its use under medical supervision to make sure it is right for you and monitoring to see if vibration therapy is beneficial for you.

- What Is Vibration Therapy? https://www.healthline.com/health/vibration-therapy

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@michsnyder

I receive Zometa every 3 months for my bone mets. I no longer take any AIs as my biopsy shows my cancer is now triple negative. (My primary was hormone positive.)

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I had triple negative breast cancer stage 1, Nay 2021. I also have osteopenia in the hip and osteoporosis in the spine now.
I have a concern that any drug given to stimulate bone growth might also stimulate cancer cell growth and reoccurrence. Does anyone have these concerns also or information on the subject?

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@drummergirl

I had triple negative breast cancer stage 1, Nay 2021. I also have osteopenia in the hip and osteoporosis in the spine now.
I have a concern that any drug given to stimulate bone growth might also stimulate cancer cell growth and reoccurrence. Does anyone have these concerns also or information on the subject?

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@drummergirl there was a black box warning on bone sarcomas with Forteo and Tymlos which as been lifted since not a single human has gotten bone cancer from these meds. I have been told that both bisphosphonates like Reclast and Fosamax, and Prolia, actually may have a protective effect. I don't know about Evenity but the only warning for that is cardiovascular. Reasonable question that I also asked about: I was actually most concerned about Prolia because it affects the immune system in some way that I don't totally understand! Docs thought that was also a reasonable question but there doesn't seem to be risk in any studies. I had a grade 3 stage 1 breast cancer and get your worries!

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@callalloo

Thanks, mjay! I'd not heard of this approach until I started reading the posts on here and think it sounds fascinating. I'll do any non-drug thing to stave off bone loss and this looks worth looking into.

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Prunes. Although the study was funded by a prune industry group.
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35798020/

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