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Denosumab

In Cancer Treatment-Induced Bone Loss

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Abstract

Denosumab is a fully human monoclonal IgG2 antibody that binds to receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and inhibits bone resorption due to RANKL-mediated osteoclas-togenesis. In Europe, subcutaneous denosumab is indicated for cancer treatment-induced bone loss in men with prostate cancer and in postmenopausal women with breast cancer.

In a large (n=1468), well designed, multinational, phase III trial in adult patients with prostate cancer who were receiving androgen-deprivation therapy, bone mineral density (BMD) at the lumbar spine was significantly improved from baseline after 24 (primary endpoint) and 36 months of treatment with subcutaneous denosumab (60 mg once every 6 months), relative to that with placebo. Moreover, the risk of new vertebral fracture was significantly reduced by 62% in the denosumab group compared with the placebo group.

In breast cancer patients receiving aromatase inhibitor therapy (n = 252), subcutaneous denosumab (60mg once every 6 months) significantly improved BMD at the lumbar spine from baseline after 12 (primary endpoint) and 24 months of treatment relative to placebo in a pivotal phase III trial.

There were significant improvements in BMD at all skeletal sites, including the lumbar spine, total hip, and femoral neck, after 24 and 36 months' denosumab treatment in prostate cancer patients and after 12 and 24 months’ treatment in breast cancer patients. In general, these improvements occurred irrespective of baseline characteristics, including age, duration of hormone ablation therapy, and baseline BMD.

Denosumab treatment was generally well tolerated for up to 24 months in breast cancer patients and for up to 36 months in prostate cancer patients.

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Acknowledgments and Disclosures

The manuscript was reviewed by: D. Little, Department of Orthopaedic Research and Biotechnology, The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Sydney, Australia; M. McClung, Oregon Osteoporosis Center, Portland, Oregon, USA.

The preparation of this review was not supported by any external funding. During the peer review process, the manufacturer of the drug was offered an opportunity to comment on this article. Changes resulting from comments received were made on the basis of scientific and editorial merit.

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Correspondence to Victoria J. Muir.

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Muir, V.J., Scott, L.J. Denosumab. BioDrugs 24, 379–386 (2010). https://doi.org/10.2165/11203310-000000000-00000

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.2165/11203310-000000000-00000

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