? change in recommendations regarding bisphosphonates

I'm mid-40s  so was put into an early menopause with zoladex injections. Bisphosphonates prescribed for 3 years (IV every 6 months).

As I understand it, this is both to help prevent osteoporosis that may be caused by length of time I will now be without oestrogen, plus to help BC coming back in my bones. 

I’m 55, I was prescribed 3 years of Bisphosphonates last week by oncologist, Letrozole and Zoladex for 3 years. Also just read this on Cancer research website.

For some women, bisphosphonate treatment can help reduce the risk of their breast cancer spreading to the bones. And improve some women’s chance of surviving their cancer.

You might have bisphosphonate treatment alongside your cancer treatment if:

• you have early and locally advanced breast cancer, with cancer in the nearby lymph nodes
• and you are postmenopausal

Or you might have this treatment if all of the following apply:

• have locally advanced breast cancer, which isn’t in the nearby lymph nodes
• are postmenopausal
• are at high risk of your cancer coming back after treatment

For these women, the bisphosphonates recommended are:

• zoledronic acid into a vein, usually every 6 months given at the same time as chemotherapy, for 3 years
• sodium clodronate, as a tablet for 3 years – if you can’t have zoledronic acid for some reason

I've had one so far. Told it will be every 6 months for 3 years, by infusion. Reason: prevent recurrence, prevent cancer in bones. Good luck

Oh... And have to take calcium and vitamin D tablets daily...GP prescribed a combined tablet

Thanks everybody- it seems 3 years of bisphosphonates still being prescribed for the same  reasons I was given when starting zoledronic acid 6 monthly IV 18 months ago . Have a phone consultation next week with consultant in new unit so I’ll be able to ask if  any new research findings . Thanks again

Moppers Hi just confirmation from different age group I’m 72 ….get 5/6. Next week . Diagnosed with HER2 + so presume it’s  belt and braces  against recurrences 

Hi there

I’m 52, ER+ mastectomy and axilliary clearance (was in 9 of 16 nodes). After chemo, radiotherapy and now prostap & exemestane and vitamin D, I’ve so far had one dose of intravenous bisphosphonates. I’m due to have six doses in total over 3 years (every six months) with a month of calcium tablets after each. I recently read an article which said that latest research says that 2 years is enough and there is no additional benefit to a further year. Was going to ask my oncologist next time I see him. Will have a look and see if I can find the link. 

I was also given the option of intravenous or oral and opted for intravenous as oral can apparently be more likely to cause digestive issues. 

Found the article. It’s on Breastcancer.org and is titled “More Than 2 Years of Bisphosphonates for Early-Stage Breast Cancer Doesn’t Offer More Benefits” I can’t post the link on here but hopefully you can search it. 

Thanks for that  Have read the summary of the published paper but will get the full paper and see the details.