Objective: To provide a literature review of the clinical efficacy and safety data of various pharmacological agents used to manage bone health in people affected by cancer.
Data sources: Peer-reviewed articles and research publications identified from PubMed and relevant clinical guidelines were used in this evidence synthesis.
Conclusion: Individuals with cancers such as breast and prostate cancers, multiple myeloma, and other malignancies are at a high risk of developing skeletal-related events such as bone fracture, bone metastasis, and osteoporosis. Pharmacologic agents such as bisphosphonates and RANK-L inhibitor (denosumab) are the mainstay therapy options for managing bone health in this population.
Implications for nursing practice: Nurses and nurse practitioners should be aware of the efficacy data of bisphosphonates and denosumab but also should be well-versed in the appropriate administration of these agents, potential side effect profiles, timely assessment, and interventions to optimize quality of life.
Keywords: Bisphosphonates; Denosumab; RANK-L inhibitors; Skeletal-related events; Zoledronic acid.
Published by Elsevier Inc.