Bisphosphonates offer a potentially effective adjuvant therapy to reduce recurrence of bone metastases in breast cancer patients. Clinical trials are at the early stage, but initial results have shown promise. There are three published adjuvant trials of oral clodronate, and one trial each of pamidronate and zoledronic acid. Observed complications so far include osteonecrosis of the jaw or maxilla because bisphosphonates inhibit bone turnover, as well as renal toxicity. Thus, care needs to be taken with dosage and duration of treatment and patients carefully managed.
