Klin Farmakol Farm. 2006;20(4):184-189

MANAGEMENT OF METASTATIC BONE DISEASE FROM PROSTATIC CANCER IN TWO ONCOLOGICAL CENTERS IN CZECH REPUBLIC - RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS

Veronika Vokatá, Aleš Kuběna, Jiří Vlček

Katedra sociální a klinické farmacie, Farmaceutická fakulta, Univerzita Karlova, Hradec Kralové

Aim: Bone metastases occur in approximately 85 % of patients with prostate cancer and represent high risk of SRE development (Skeletal Related Events), mainly pathologic fractures. Bone metastases and these events result in bone pain and decreasing quality of life. Bisphosphonates are potent compounds which decline the occurrence and relapse of SRE. The aim of study was to evaluate the therapy with bisphosphonates in patients with metastatic bone disease from prostate cancer.

Methods: Retrospective observation study is involving two university oncological centers in Czech Republic. The data for analysis were obtained from medical records of 120 patients with bone metastases from prostate cancer who died between years 2001 and 2005. We followed up initiating and duration of treatment with bisphosphonates in the relationship with date of diagnosis of bone metastases and occurrence of SRE.

Results: Forty three (35,8 %) men of 120 enrolled patients were treated with bisphosphonates. In 14 (32,6 %) of them the therapy was initiated within 30 days after diagnosis of bone metastases. Median of time of treatment with oral bisphosphonates was 153 days and with intravenous bisphosphonates 92 days. A total of 27 (22,5 %) men underwent pathological fracture. The most frequent were vertebral fractures (55 %) followed by rib fractures (22 %) and leg fractures (15 %). More than two third of patients with pathological fracture were never treated with bisphosphonates.

Conclusion: Retrospective follow-up of 120 patients assessed the therapy in two large oncological centers in Czech Republic. Bisphosphonates represent discussed treatment in patient with bone metastases from prostate cancer. Their benefit may be confirmed with outcomes of further large trials which are conducted.

Keywords: Key words: bisphosphonates, bone metastases, prostate cancer, quality of life.

Published: February 1, 2007  Show citation