Chemotherapy effects on bone mineral density and microstructure in women with breast cancer

Chemotherapy involves the administration of steroids to prevent nausea and vomiting; however, its effect on bone microstructure remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in bone mineral density (BMD) and bone microstructure associated with chemotherapy using high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) in women with early breast cancer.

This prospective single-arm observational study included non-osteoporotic, postmenopausal women with breast cancer. The patients underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), HR-pQCT, and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase-5b (TRACP-5b) or procollagen type-I N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) measurements at baseline, end of chemotherapy, and 6 months after chemotherapy. The primary endpoint was the change in total volumetric BMD at the distal tibia and radius.

Eighteen women were included in the study (median age: 57 years; range: 55–62 years). At 6 months after chemotherapy, HR-pQCT indicated a significant decrease in total volumetric BMD (median: distal tibia −4.5%, p < 0.01; distal radius −2.3%, p < 0.01), cortical volumetric BMD (−1.9%, p < 0.01;  −0.8%, p = 0.07, respectively), and trabecular volumetric BMD (−1.1%, p = 0.09;  −3.0%, p < 0.01, respectively). The DXA BMD also showed a significant decrease in the lumbar spine (median: −4.5%, p < 0.01), total hip (−5.5%, p < 0.01), and femoral neck (−4.2%, p < 0.01). TRACP-5b and P1NP levels were significantly increased at the end of chemotherapy compared to baseline.

Postmenopausal women undergoing chemotherapy for early breast cancer experienced significant BMD deterioration in weight-bearing bone, which was further reduced 6 months after chemotherapy.