Denosumab for the Treatment of Osteoporosis in Children: A Pilot Study

Bone fractures without significant trauma (also known as osteoporosis) are a frequent complication of chronic childhood diseases (for example, Duchenne muscular dystrophy and inflammatory disorders) and genetic disorders (such as osteogenesis imperfecta). To date, the only effective therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis in children is a class of medications known as bisphosphonates (which include pamidronate and zoledronic acid). Unfortunately, these medications have the disadvantage of frequent side effects with the first dose (including fever, nausea, vomiting and bone pain), as well as intravenous administration (delivery through a vein, similar to a bloodtest). Recently, a new medication has been proven effective in the treatment of adults with osteoporosis - this medication is called denosumab, and it has a distinct advantage over intravenous bisphosphonates since it is administered sub-cutaneously (through a small needle injected into the skin), plus an excellent safety profile. To date, denosumab has been used with success in a few children with rare forms of osteoporosis and other bone disorders. The purpose of this study is to further test the safety and benefits of denosumab in children with fractures due to osteoporosis, by comparing this new agent to the current standard treatment at CHEO, zoledronic acid. This will be a one year, pilot study in 20 children with a variety of forms of osteoporosis. Children enrolled in the study will be randomly assigned to receive zoledronic acid or denosumab every 6 months (for two doses), with tests carried out every few months over the course of the year to study the effects of these therapies on fractures, bone density and various safety parameters as measured by bloodtests. Overall, the results of this study will provide us with important information on the potential for denosumab to provide children with a safe, effective and convenient new osteoporosis treatment.

Inclusion criteria

• Subject or subject's legally acceptable representative has provided informed consent.
• Children aged 4 to 16 years at the time of enrolment.
• Children with a history of clinically significant bone fragility in the preceding 24 months, requiring the child to have ONE or more of the following clinical profiles:

• At least one low-trauma vertebral or long bone fracture in a child with an underlying disease known to be associated with osteoporotic fractures (e.g. glucocorticoid-treated diseases, Crohn's disease, rheumatic disorders, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, other muscular dystrophies, spinal muscular atrophy, cerebral palsy); OR
• At least one low-trauma vertebral or long bone fracture in the last 24 months, in a child with a known genetic osteoporotic condition such as osteogenesis imperfecta (confirmed on molecular genetic testing); OR
• At least one low-trauma vertebral or long bone fracture in the last 24 months, in an otherwise healthy child with a diagnosis of osteoporosis confirmed on trans-iliac bone biopsy. Trans-iliac bone biopsy is a requirement in this sub-group as per the usual standard of care, as this is the only test that will definitively confirm osteoporosis in an otherwise healthy child who does not have a genetic bone fragility condition.

Exclusion criteria

• Any child for whom the treating physician feels participation is not advised.
• Prior treatment with an osteoporosis agent (e.g. bisphosphonate).
• Renal insufficiency defined as an eGFR less than 60ml/min/1.73m2.
• Active or prior diagnosis of malignancy or undergoing investigations for a suspected childhood cancer.
• Currently breastfeeding or plans to breastfeed during the study.
• Pregnancy (verified by pre-treatment pregnancy test in all menstruating or sexually active females).
• Untreated vitamin D deficiency, defined as a serum 25OHD level <50nmol/L.
• Untreated hypocalcemia, defined as a serum ionized calcium level <1.1mmol/L.
• Active or historic eczema/cellulitis.
• Children planning dental procedures and/or dental surgery during the course of the study.
• Children with a documented history of atrial fibrillation.
• Children with asthma who are acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) sensitive.
• Children that have had parathyroid or thyroid surgery.
• Children who are allergic to rubber or latex.
• Males with a pregnant partner.