Evolving Therapeutic Strategies in Cancer Therapy-Induced Bone Loss: The Pharmacist's Role in Minimizing Fractures

This activity is supported by an educational donation provided by Amgen.

Evolving Therapeutic Strategies in Cancer Therapy—Induced Bone Loss: The Pharmacist's Role in Minimizing Fractures

Rick Miller, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP

Allegheny General HospitalDepartment of Pharmacy ServicesClinical Adjunct FacultyUniversity of PittsburghDuquesne UniversityPittsburgh, PA

Gerard Mascara, PharmD

PGY2 Hematology/Oncology PharmacyResidentAllegheny General HospitalPittsburgh, PA

Rick Miller, PharmD, BCPS, BCOP, and Gerard Mascara, PharmD, have no relevant affiliations or financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose related to this activity.

Pharmacy Times Office of Continuing Professional Education Planning Staff

Judy V. Lum, MPA, Ann C. Lichti, CCMEP, and Elena Beyzarov, PharmD, have no relevant affiliations or financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose related to this activity.

Pharmacy Times Editorial Staff

Jennifer Whartenby and David Allikas have no relevant affiliations or financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose related to this activity.

The peer reviewer of this activity has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose related to this activity.

Educational Objectives

Upon completion of this educational activity, participants should be able to:

• Examine the physiology and biochemical mechanisms associated with general bone health, normal bone loss, and bone loss due to secondary causes, particularly cancer therapy—induced bone loss (CTIBL).
• Identify patients at risk for CTIBL and subsequent fractures, and recommend bone mineral density testing and/or physician referral in an effort to minimize burden of fractures.
• Recommend appropriate nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions for management of CTIBL and ensure follow-up monitoring.
• Formulate counseling strategies regarding prevention and management of CITBL including lifestyle modification and medication adherence.

Target audience: Pharmacists

Type of activity: Knowledge

Release date: August 10, 2012

Expiration date: August 10, 2014

Estimated time to complete activity: 2 hours

Fee: This lesson is free online

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