Xgeva: Helping or hurting?

[savingdaddy]

Any opinions/advice on Xgeva injections? As far as Osteocytes and Osteoblasts (building up and tearing down of bone) Do you know if Xgeva has more of an effect on one or the other or both? I was listening to archives of Joe Dimatteo on XM 131 yesterday at 3pm and he was saying he didn’t have much confidence in any of the bone strengtheners offered in the medical world for any diseases dealing with deteriorating bone. He mentioned that most drugs out there are lopsided when it comes to osteoblasts and osteoclasts...any thoughts, advice or suggestions on this? Thanks, Kim

[tango65]

"Denosumab is a human monoclonal antibody against the receptor activator of nuclear factor κ-B ligand (RANKL), which is responsible for osteoclast formation, differentiation, and survival."

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?ter...

[savingdaddy in reply to tango65]

Thanks!

[savingdaddy]

Correction: Osteoclasts not osteocytes.

[Tall_Allen]

It's complicated. Healthy bone strikes a balance between osteoclasts (the cells that resorb old bone) and osteoblasts (the cells that produce new bone). Bone mets in prostate cancer are mostly characterized by excessive osteoblastic activity. But the two kinds of cells always work in tandem. Osteoclast number and activity are also increased in osteoblastic metastases, bone adjacent to metastases, and distant uninvolved bone. Xgeva inhibits this excess osteoclast formation. The slowed down osteoclasts provide a better matrix for support of the bone leading to stronger, less brittle bones.

Interestingly, it's been found that the combination of Zometa and Celebrex (but not either alone) increased survival by 22% in metastatic men:

ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JC...

[savingdaddy in reply to Tall_Allen]

You’re right, it is complicated..it’s hard to know which way to go. I only want the best way. Why does the best way have to be so complicated?🤷🏻‍♀️

[Tall_Allen in reply to savingdaddy]

Human biology is more complex than anyone (including me) imagines. Cancer has its own biology on top of that. Research only predicts averages for the entire group - individual differences can vary widely. That's why a close individual relationship with a top oncologist is so important.

[bryson43]

I have an injection every 3 months -seems to work for me -my bones are OK and taking with Xtandi and Eligard

[savingdaddy in reply to bryson43]

Thank you.

[Herman_PSA]

I had a choice and I decided not to allow my MO to give me monthly Xgeva shots. Heck, just read about the lawsuits in the past few years. They even have to payoff doctors and urologist to pump up their sales. Not uncommon in pharma, but they got caught.

justice.gov/usao-cdca/pr/ve...

reuters.com/article/us-fda-...

I have another more detailed and scientific study on Xgeva on my computer at home which describes how Xgeva blocks/interferes with your immune system to create other issues. Not worth the risk in my opinion.

What I decided to do about my five bone mets is take Algaecal: algaecal.com/

Working pretty good this past year. My bone density test was darn good for my age group and was determined that I am not losing bone or in danger of bone fractures. Further, I do not have bone pain that some folks complain about even while taking Xgeva.

Want to rebuild bone? Go natural without harmful chemicals.

[savingdaddy in reply to Herman_PSA]

Thank you!

[CalBear74 in reply to Herman_PSA]

Have I mentioned to you Herman that the IP6 you are taking is also a boost to the health of your bones along with the algaeCAL ?

[Herman_PSA in reply to CalBear74]

Yes, you have. I'm aware the calcium content in the IP6 which adds to the AlgaeCal supplementation. Also, I take the D3 K2 liquid drops each morning to channel the calcium to the right body parts. I've got the inflammation down to 0.51 from 0.71, Thanks.

[monte1111]

Take my xgeva shot once a month. I just hope they have this one right.

[JimVanHorn in reply to monte1111]

You can always get another opinion if you question these shots. I had 3 shots of Xgeva when I was on Eligard, one every 6 months. I had a bone density test that determined the need for these shots. I did fall in a parking lot and did not break any bones, so I think it helped. Good luck.

[savingdaddy in reply to JimVanHorn]

Thank you for your input. It’s good to know.

[monte1111]

Deteriorating bone? Lots of different bone issues. A drunken friend fell twice last year taking me with her and I was OK. Legs went out from me on narrow steps and came down hard on tailbone this super bowl weekend. Really scared me but a week later all seemed well. Had a t-12 fracture when this was all beginning - just getting up off my couch. One bone scan said only mild expansion of bone compression. How does a compression expand? Next bone scan never mentioned it. I see the fracture/compression on the film. Should get bone scan next month and will insist on someone explaining film comparisons.

Back does not bother except when bending over a lot. Cancer, drugs, old age arthritis? I am paranoid about falling. I do not lift heavy things. If one of the unlucky 3 - 4% who develop ONJ I will deal with it then - if I live long enough to have to worry about it. Unless something changes, and they do around here, will continue the xgeva. Best of luck to you.

[savingdaddy in reply to monte1111]

Thank you for sharing...what does ONJ stand for? Best wishes to you sir!

[monte1111 in reply to savingdaddy]

Osteonecrosis of the Jaw. Loss or breakdown of jaw bone. Some dental procedures may increase risk. Should try to do dental work before starting xgeva, etc.

[savingdaddy in reply to monte1111]

Yikes!! I remember the doctor saying something about jawbone issues.

[51na1a]

I am on docket for Xgeva. After reading these reports, I am now better prepared to spend time in a Q&A session with my oncol.

Thanks for all the input and Best to All !!!!!!