Checkpoint inhibitors, which are drugs used to treat cancer, may promote bone formation. This has been shown by a published study. Journal of Cancer Immunotherapy (JITC).
Cancer drugs often cause bones to thin and increase the risk of fractures. This greatly reduces the quality of life of patients. In recent years, great advances have been made in tumor treatment thanks to immunotherapy, especially PD1 and PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors. However, its effects on bone health have not been adequately researched.
In the new study, researchers evaluated long-term changes in patients’ blood counts. They observed a significant reduction in signs of bone destruction within the first month of treatment. There was also an increase in PINP and OCN scores after four months. This means that patients have increased bone formation.
Laboratory experiments in a bone model showed that checkpoint inhibitors interfere with the maturation of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for bone breakdown. Normally they are needed to remove old bone tissue, but their excessive activity can lead to its destruction.
The findings could mean that checkpoint inhibitors not only destroy the skeleton but also promote bone formation. Studies with a larger and more diverse patient group are needed to confirm this.
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