[Effects of SERMs on bone health. Evidence for the selective estrogen receptor modulator raloxifene: its evolving role in the treatment of osteoporosis]

Abstract

The 2000 NIH definition of osteoporosis may now call for revision in light of evidence accumulated through clinical studies in the last decade. Of note, as bone quality is now becoming available for evaluation, it is becoming clear that bone quality contributes to bone strength to a far greater degree than was previously assumed and the myth of bone mineral density is now quickly losing ground. Against this background, the role of the selective estrogen receptor modulator raloxifene (RLX) is undergoing a reevaluation. No doubt RLX fills an important role as a therapeutic for osteoporosis given its mechanisms of action which are distinct from those of the bisphosphonates, and is expected to have an increasingly larger role in osteoporosis management.