Breast Cancer Overview  + -Text Size  Treating Breast Cancer
TOPICS  Bone-directed therapy for breast cancer  When cancer
spreads to the bones, it can weaken them and even lead to the
bones breaking. The cancer in the bone can also cause pain.
Drugs like bisphosphonates and denosumab can help prevent those
problems.    Bisphosphonates are used when breast cancer has
spread to the bones. These drugs can strengthen bones that have
been weakened by invading breast cancer cells and reduce the
risk of pain, fractures or breaks. The drugs most often used to
treat breast cancer that has spread to bone are pamidronate
(Aredia®) and zoledronic acid (Zometa®. Both of these drugs are
given into a vein (IV), often once a month.  Bisphosphonates may
also help prevent bone thinning (osteoporosis) that can result
from treatment. When used to prevent bone thinning,
bisphosphonates that you cantake by mouth are most often used.
Bisphosphonates can have side effects, including flu-like
symptoms and bone pain. They can also ca