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February 19, 2008
Study Looking at Early Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment on Bone Health
UConn Researcher looking for women who are considering treatment
with Aromatase Inhibitors
FARMINGTON, CONN. – Studies show that aromatase inhibitors, including
medications such as anastrozole (Arimidex) and letrozole (Femara) are
winners in the fight against breast cancer. However, there is also
evidence that these drugs increase a woman’s risk of bone loss and
fractures. But when do these powerhouse medications start to affect bone
health? Osteoporosis expert Pamela Taxel, M.D., of the University of
Connecticut Health Center and the New England Musculoskeletal Institute
is trying to answer that question.
Dr. Taxel encourages women who are considering taking aromatase
inhibitors to participate in a free study looking at the early effects
of the medication on bone health. Study participants will receive free
bone health monitoring for one year. They will also receive counseling
from Dr. Taxel on ways to improve their bone health through measures
such as exercise, improved nutrition, supplements and medications.
“Aromatase inhibitors work by lowering estrogen levels and have been
shown to be very effective in treating hormone-sensitive breast cancer.
However, this can also lead to an increased risk of bone loss,
osteoporosis and painful bone fractures,” Dr. Taxel said.
“We want to understand when the bone loss begins and which women are
at greatest risk of early bone loss. That is why it’s important to
follow women as they start their regime with aromatase inhibitors,” she
added.
The study is being conducted at the UConn Health Center in
Farmington. To learn more, call Dr. Taxel at 860-679-4743.
The University of Connecticut Health Center includes the schools of
medicine and dental medicine, the UConn Medical Group, University
Dentists, and John Dempsey Hospital, a Solucient Top 100 Hospital®
2006. Founded in 1961, the Health Center pursues a mission of
providing outstanding health care education in an environment of
exemplary patient care, research and public service. To learn more about
the UConn Health Center, visit our website at
www.uchc.edu.
Note: News professionals are invited to visit the Office of
Communications homepage at
www.uchc.edu/ocomm/ for archived news releases and other
information. |
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