“These bone-strengthening agents can decrease fracture rates and the need for radiation. We hope that this study will lead to earlier, more pro-active adoption.” -Dr. Michael OngWhen prostate cancer spreads, it often goes to the bones, causing pain, weakness and an increased risk of fractures. While bone strengthening drugs are recommended to reduce these risks, a new study led by Dr. Michael Ong suggests that most patients in Ontario don’t receive them early enough. 

The study, published in The Oncologist, looked at data from more than 1,800 Ontario patients who passed away from metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. The research team found that the majority of these patients either never received a bone-strengthening drug, or only received this treatment after the onset of bone problems, often in the last year of life. 

“These bone-strengthening agents can decrease fracture rates and the need for radiation,” said Dr. Ong, medical oncologist at The Ottawa Hospital and associate professor at the University of Ottawa. “We hope that this study will lead to earlier, more pro-active adoption.”

Core resources: ICES uOttawa

Authors: Phillips WJ, Saad F, Leigh J, Jooya A, Webber C, Morgan S, MacRae R, Bourque JM, Tanuseputro P, Ong M.

Funding: GUMOC Astellas Research Grant Program