Bisphosphonates Cut Endometrial Cancer Risk in Half

New research from the Henry Ford Health System in Detroit is revealing that women who use bisphosphonates could have about half the risk of developing endometrial cancer as women who do not use these medications.

Sharon Hensley Alford, Ph.D. led a team that evaluated information from the National Cancer Institute’s PLCO (Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian) Screening Trial. In the analysis, which included 29, 254 women, researchers looked at data for only those bisphosphonates that contain nitrogen as these are known to have stronger anticancer activity.

“Other studies have shown that bisphosphonates may reduce the risk of certain cancers, but we are the first to show that the risk for endometrial cancer may also be reduced, ” said Dr. Alford in the December 22, 2014 news release. “This study suggests that women who need bone strengthening medications and who have increased risk for endometrial cancer may want to choose the nitrogen form of bisphosphonates because this form may reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.”

The news release indicates, “Published early online in CANCER, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Cancer Society, the study supports other research that has shown an anti-cancer effect of this type of medication.”

Dr. Alford told OTW, “I think that this might be most relevant to orthopedic surgeons who are working with patients with low bone density. Although there are potential risks, I am thinking of osteonecrosis of the jaw in particular, to bisphosphonates, my work shows that there are also potential benefits beyond the bone strengthening effects of bisphosphonates. Clinicians consulting with patients about the use of bisphosphonates may want to include the results of this study for the patient’s consideration in her decision.”