One symptom that breast and prostate cancer patients may experience is weakened bones, which is the result of various hormone therapy treatments. To remedy this issue, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of osteoporosis drug Prolia for these conditions.

Studies performed by the drug’s manufacturer, Amgen, revealed that men with prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy had improved bone mass and a reduced number of spine fractures when treated with Prolia. Breast cancer patients who were treated with aromatase inhibitors also showed an increase in bone mass after using the osteoporosis medication.

These therapies reduce hormone levels to prevent the cancer from returning; however, the reduced hormone levels lead to bone loss and raise the risk of fracture. Patients undergoing these treatments may now opt to receive a Prolia injection every six months.

“Bone loss and fractures are recognized effects of hormone ablation therapies, but we have not had an approved treatment option to prevent these problems from our patients,” said Matthew Smith, director of the Genitourinary Malignancies Program at Massachusetts General Hospital‘s Cancer Center. “Prolia now gives us the ability to reduce the risk of bone loss and fractures, allowing patients to continue their treatment and fight against cancer.”

Those who suffer from hypocalcemia should not use Prolia, as the drug can cause the calcium deficiency to worsen. It is recommended that patients control hypocalcemia before undergoing this treatment.