Zometa and Dexa scan

[Proflac]

Onco has suggested Zometa as husband has been on ADT for several years. I am reluctant to throw another med at him if it's not definitely necessary. So would you recommend Dexa scan to check for problems before simply accepting Zometa? [Further info: He has never had bone mets show on regular nuclear bone scan.) Thanks

[Ian99]

In my experience (nhs) the Dexa scan was done before any additional medication was prescribed. It showed -1.3 in a femur, categorised as osteopenia, so Alendronic Acid (Zometa equivalent) was prescribed.

[Proflac in reply to Ian99]

Thanks

[Tall_Allen]

Yes, a DXA scan is necessary before Zometa.

[Proflac in reply to Tall_Allen]

Thanks for confirming my thoughts. I'll try and get one done.

[Derf4223]

ADT/abiraterone et al accelerate bone density loss about 200% that of a fully menopausal female. Your dear darling could be facing fragility fractures on top of PCa. See this link

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articl....

[Proflac in reply to Derf4223]

Yes, thanks. Everyone should be aware of this. But good to check that's actually happening. X

[NotDFL]

Yes, definitely get a DEXA scan first to see if osteoporosis medication is really necessary

[Proflac in reply to NotDFL]

Thank you

[RyderLake2]

Hello,

You might want to also check out Prolia (denosumab). In higher doses it is called Xgeva. My medical oncologist says Prolia is a little easier on the kidneys than Zometa (zoledronic acid) and does not require as frequent monitoring of kidney function (creatinine and GFR). I agree with other contributors, it is probably a good idea to have a Dexa scan.

[Proflac in reply to RyderLake2]

Thank you. I'll definitely look into that if action is needed. Less harsh is always good!

[KingNeptune]

He should have had a DEXA Scan before starting any form of ADT in order to establish a baseline. At this point, I would get the DEXA Scan and wait two years to retest and then decide a course of action.

[Proflac in reply to KingNeptune]

Yes very good advice for anyone starting out. Sadly was not done in our case, but we'll do it now. Thanks

[Leader4077]

Zometa can be associated with ONJ…..osteonecrosis of the jaw…….While it is considered very unlikely to get ONJ with Zometa, I did.

MB

[Proflac in reply to Leader4077]

So sorry to hear that. It sounds pretty awful. Just what we need to avoid if we can. Hope it's better now.

[FigureGround]

I used to get monthly infusions of Zometa to supposedly counteract bone loss from ADT. I discontinued Zometa after being diagnosed with ONJ. I now take low-dose estradiol to improve bone health.

[Proflac in reply to FigureGround]

Great. It seems to have good QOL benefits. Sadly our guy won't go there. I might try again though as I can see no downside. Thanks

[Derf4223 in reply to FigureGround]

FigureGround On estradiol, have you had a good DEXA scan result?

[FigureGround in reply to Derf4223]

Yes, at least it hasn't worsened from the previous year. Osteopenia but so for not osteoporosis. But, as many others have reflected back, my MO failed to give me a DEXA scan as a baseline when starting ADT and Zometa.

[j-o-h-n]

I guess the Yeaaaasss have it.

Good Luck, Good Health and Good Humor.

j-o-h-n