Use of bisphosphonates and other bone supportive agents in the management of prostate cancer-A UK perspective

Int J Clin Pract. 2020 Nov;74(11):e13611. doi: 10.1111/ijcp.13611. Epub 2020 Jul 27.

Abstract

Aim: To explore the practice and views of uro-oncologists in the UK regarding their use of bone supportive agents in patients with prostate cancer.

Methods: An expert-devised online questionnaire was completed by members of the British Uro-oncology Group (BUG).

Results: Of 160 uro-oncologists invited, 81 completed the questionnaire. Approximately 70% of respondents never use a bone supportive agent in patients with metastatic hormone-naïve prostate cancer on androgen deprivation therapy (ADT). However, use was more frequent in men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer, from first-line treatment onwards. The majority of uro-oncologists do not use a bone supportive agent to prevent skeletal-related events in men with non-metastatic disease unless the individual patient is at an increased risk of osteoporosis. In men with more advanced disease, respondents would use an oral or intravenous (IV) bisphosphonate in 41% and 61% of patients, respectively. Zoledronic acid is the first-choice bone supportive treatment in 77% of cases, with the lack of clinical data cited as a barrier to use for other IV bisphosphonates. Local guidelines also have a significant influence on the use of bone supportive agents, especially with respect to denosumab. Bone mineral density measurement is conducted in approximately 40% of men with ADT exposure of 2 years or longer, or those with metastatic prostate cancer.

Conclusion: Uro-oncologists in the UK generally do not use bone supportive agents for men with metastatic hormone-naïve prostate cancer or those with non-metastatic disease. However, increasing the duration of ADT and the presence of castration-resistant metastatic prostate cancer increases use.

MeSH terms

  • Androgen Antagonists / therapeutic use
  • Diphosphonates / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Oncologists*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • United Kingdom

Substances

  • Androgen Antagonists
  • Diphosphonates

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