Fosamax for Childhood Cancer Survivors

Overview

Survivors of childhood cancers face a variety of long-term problems. The investigators' recent study found that osteoporosis and osteopenia were common among these patients. The factors leading to, as well as the best treatment option for, this morbidity are unclear. Bisphosphonates are currently the standard therapy for osteoporosis in the elderly. However, the efficacy and safety of bisphosphonates for treating osteoporosis in long-term cancer survivors have not been tested. The investigators hypothesize that alendronate, an orally active bisphosphonate, is efficacious and safe in the treatment of osteoporosis in these patients.

The modern treatment for childhood malignancy includes surgery and chemoradiotherapy either individually or in combination. Despite the great achievement in improving patient survival, these treatments also greatly enhance the adverse effects on the unfortunate children. Our research group has recently conducted a pioneer study on the bone mineralization and bone mineral density (BMD) study in longterm childhood cancer survivors in local patients who have completed anti-cancer treatment for at least five years. This landmark study showed that persistent treatment-related adverse effects on skeletal development are common (up to 50%) in local long-term survivors of childhood cancers. Thus, it is important during this critical period of rapid somatic growth in adolescents and young adults that these cancer survivors achieve their peak potential for bone mineralization and strengthening. In this proposed study, we investigate with a randomized and controlled study design on the efficacy of a second-generation oral bisphosphonate, alendronate, to improve BMD over a 36-week period in long-term survivors of childhood cancers in Hong Kong. In addition to alendronate, all subjects in the active and control groups will receive alfacalcidol (vitamin D) and calcium carbonate throughout the whole study period. The study results will help paediatric oncologists to decide on the optimal remedial treatments against osteoporosis in long-term cancer survivors.

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