Investigation of Changes in Bone Scan Imaging Before and After Intravenous Bisphosphonate Therapy for Osseous Metastases From Breast Cancer

Presently, intravenous bisphosphonates are routinely used every 3 to 4 weeks in patients with osseous metastases from breast cancer. However, there is no data addressing the effects of intravenous bisphosphonate therapy on the results of bone scan imaging. Therefore, the first step in the collaboration between MSKCC Breast Cancer Medicine Service and Nuclear Medicine Service is to define whether or not intravenous bisphosphonate therapy affects the results of bone imaging with the standard technetium, Tc-99m MDP. Women receiving intravenous bisphosphonate therapy for breast cancer metastases involving bone at MSKCC are eligible for this diagnostic clinical is no therapeutic intent in this study.

Bone Scan performed before intravenous bisphosphonate therapy (baseline as clinically indicated). Ideally, the bone scan will be performed immediately before to, bisphosphonate therapy.

Zoledronic acid, intravenous bisphosphonate therapy (as clinically indicated)

Bone Scan performed within 1 day after intravenous bisphosphonate therapy (study test).

Number of lesions seen in the baseline and study test will be counted and compared for changes in imaging results induced by intravenous bisphosphonate therapy.

The number of lesions detected by bone scan pre and post therapy will be recorded and the difference will be calculated.

Inclusion criteria

• Patients receiving intravenous biphosphonate therapy (zoledronic acid 4 mg or renal dose equivalent) as part of their treatment regimen, who are diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer involving surrounding bone.
• Patients must have had prior treatment zoledronic acid (4 mg or adjusted dose for renal function) within 8 weeks.
• The patients clinical status as assessed by a treating physician must be deemed appropriate for continuing treatment with zoledronic acid
• The patient's clinical status, as assessed by a treating physician, must be deemed appropriate for an evaluation with a bone scan
• The patient's medical status as assessed by a treating physician must be medically appropriate to receive zoledronic acid within the study time frame and in association with the study bone scan

Exclusion criteria

• No evidence of bone metastases, or less than 3 osseous lesions felt to be consistent with bone metastases, on most recent bone scan performed for clinical indications prior to study entry.
• Patients with illnesses, or conditions that would prevent them from understanding the nature of the study and complying with the protocol requirements