Extended use of intravenous bisphosphonate therapy for the prevention of skeletal complications in patients with cancer.

Purpose: To evaluate the incidence of skeletal complications in patients with multiple myeloma, and metastatic breast, prostate, or lung cancers, when therapy with intravenous bisphosphonates is continued for longer than 21 months.

Methods: The primary outcome was the diagnosis of at least one skeletal-related event (SRE) after 21 months of therapy. The secondary outcome was the incidence of osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ).

Results: The primary outcome was 30%. The secondary outcome was 3%, while six patients (5%) were referred to a dentist for suspected ONJ.

Conclusion: There appears to be a continued benefit when intravenous bisphosphonates are given for longer than 21 months.