Bisphosphonates: new indications and methods of administration

In the course of 2002, several new studies were published confirming the efficacy of bisphosphonate drugs in fracture prevention in patients with osteoporosis. Further evidence was provided of their long duration of action, making intermittent administration possible. The potent bisphosphonate zoledronate can be given at intervals of as long as 1 year and produces changes in bone density and in markers of bone turnover comparable with those seen with conventional daily oral dosing with alendronate or risedronate. If such regimens are proven to prevent fractures, their convenience is likely to result in their widespread adoption and potentially an increase in compliance with these medications. Further evidence has been presented documenting the value of bisphosphonates in preventing the skeletal complications of malignancy, and possibly in reducing mortality in patients with breast cancer. The role of bisphosphonates in osteogenesis imperfecta was further confirmed, and novel roles in ankylosing spondylitis, myelofibrosis, and hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy were suggested.