Pharmacological Prevention and Management of Skeletal-Related Events and Bone Loss in Individuals with Cancer.

OBJECTIVE:To provide a literature review of the clinical efficacy and safety data of various pharmacological agents used to manage bone health in people affected by cancer. DATA SOURCES:Peer-reviewed articles and research publications identified from PubMed and relevant clinical guidelines were used in this evidence synthesis. CONCLUSION:Individuals with cancers such as breast and prostate cancers, multiple myeloma, and other malignancies are at a high risk of developing skeletal-related events such as bone fracture, bone metastasis, and osteoporosis. Pharmacologic agents such as bisphosphonates and RANK-L inhibitor (denosumab) are the mainstay therapy options for managing bone health in this population. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE:Nurses and nurse practitioners should be aware of the efficacy data of bisphosphonates and denosumab but also should be well-versed in the appropriate administration of these agents, potential side effect profiles, timely assessment, and interventions to optimize quality of life.