Bone metastasis and skeletal complications have a devastating impact on the quality of life and are a major cause of morbidity in prostate cancer patients. In addition to established bone-targeted therapies, new drugs such as endothelin A receptor antagonists, MET and VEGFR-2 antagonists or radiopharmaceuticals are in the focus of development. The standard care in prostate cancer patients with bone metastases to prevent skeletal-related events (SRE) are bisphosphonates. Denosumab, a human monoclonal antibody against RANKL, appeared to be superior to zoledronic acid for prevention of SRE and has been shown to prolong bone metastases-free survival. In contrast to zoledronic acid, denosumab clearance is not dependent on kidney function and can be administered subcutaneously. Similar rates of toxicity were observed for both substances; however, long-term data for denosumab are limited.
Written by:
Moltzahn F, Thalmann GN. Are you the author?
Urologische Universitätsklinik, Inselspital Bern, Anna-Seiler-Haus, Freiburgstraße 10, CH-3010, Bern, Schweiz.
Reference: Urologe A. 2012 Jan;51(1):20-6.
doi: 10.1007/s00120-011-2741-1
PubMed Abstract
PMID: 22258372
Article in German.
UroToday.com Prostate Cancer Section
