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Review
. 2015 Aug;7(4):160-8.
doi: 10.1177/1759720X15582144.

Oral bisphosphonates and colon cancer: an update

Pia Eiken  1 , Peter Vestergaard  2
Affiliations
Review

Oral bisphosphonates and colon cancer: an update

Pia Eiken et al. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2015 Aug.

Abstract

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are widely used as the main treatment for osteoporosis. In vitro and animal studies suggest that use of BPs may have a potential for colorectal cancer (CRC) prevention. Safety and efficacy in terms of osteoporosis prevention have only been evaluated in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of relatively short duration (3-5 years), with smaller extension studies. The evidence for a benefit beyond 5 years is limited and intake of BPs has not shown any relationship with CRC in intervention studies. Observational studies and meta-analysis have shown unchanged or decreased risk of CRC. BPs used for treatment and prevention of osteoporosis should not be applied for prevention of CRC in clinical practice.

Keywords: bisphosphonates; colorectal cancer; risk.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of interest statement: P.E. is an advisory board member with Eli Lilly, Amgen and MSD, and on the speakers bureau with Amgen and Eli Lilly. P.V. has received unrestricted grants from MSD and Servier, and travel grants from Amgen, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Sanofi-Aventis and Servier.

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