This research will examine the effectiveness of calcitriol in treating bone loss in women who are about to begin treatment for breast cancer. Twenty-five (25) subjects are expected to take part in this study. The investigators don't know if bone loss in breast cancer survivors should be treated differently than bone loss in other women.
The calcitriol intervention is aimed at reducing fracture risk by maintaining proper bone density. Calcitriol is efficacious in maintaining proper bone health and muscle mass among the general population, but little research has been done on breast cancer patients. In addition, calcitriol may be effective in reducing tumor proliferation and angiogenesis, while increasing tumor apoptosis. Each of those factors could have beneficial effects on breast cancer outcomes.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
12
In pill form, 45 micrograms once a week for 12 weeks
University of Rochester
Rochester, New York, United States
Mean Change in Bone Resorption: NTX (N-terminal Telopeptide)
Scale score for NTX (N-terminal telopeptide) minimum value = 4.2 nmol BCE; maximum value = 3688 nmol BCE Higher scale score for NTX indicates worse outcome.
Time frame: baseline to 12 weeks
Mean Change in Bone Formation: BAP (Bone-specific Alkaline Phosphatase)
Scale score for BAP (Bone-specific alkaline phosphatase) minimum value = 7 mcg/L; maximum value = 329 mcg/L Higher scale score for BAP indicates worse outcome.
Time frame: baseline to 12 weeks
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