Longitudinal assessment of bone loss from diagnostic computed tomography scans in gynecologic cancer patients treated with chemotherapy and radiation

OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to measure the volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) using diagnostic computed tomography scans in gynecologic oncology patients. STUDY DESIGN: In a retrospective study, spine and femoral neck (FN) vBMD was measured for 1 year in 40 patients receiving chemotherapy or radiation. RESULTS: There is significant bone loss after chemotherapy, radiation, and a combination of radiation and chemotherapy (P = .0211). In 1 year, the percent reduction in vBMD (+/-SE) at L1-L2 spine and the FN was a 15.9% (+/-5.67) and 10.4% (+/-4.06) in chemotherapy; 11% (+/-5.68) and 15.8% (+/-2.56) in radiation; and 21.0% (+/-7.03) and 3.6% (+/-3.3.7) in the combined therapy group. Bone loss was evident immediately after treatment and persisted or worsened in most women. CONCLUSION: Gynecologic cancer patients treated with chemotherapy or radiation experience immediate and prolonged bone loss; thus, pre- and posttreatment monitoring of bone loss is important in these patients.