What is the disease that causes bone disintegration, also known as osteolysis?

From the Guidelines

Multiple myeloma is a disease that disintegrates bones, causing significant morbidity and mortality, and compromising quality of life. This condition is characterized by the destruction of bone tissue, leading to skeletal complications such as bone pain, pathological fractures, spinal cord compression, and hypercalcemia of malignancy 1. The disease causes symptoms of anemia, a compromised immune response leading to increased susceptibility to infections and severe pain as a result of osteolytic lesions.

Key Characteristics of Multiple Myeloma

• Bone destruction occurs in 90% of patients with multiple myeloma, resulting from multiple factors 1
• Skeletal events compromise mobility and day-to-day independence, decrease quality of life, and increase treatment costs 1
• Bisphosphonate treatment has become the standard of care to reduce and delay skeletal morbidity caused by multiple myeloma 1

Treatment Options

• Bisphosphonates, such as pamidronate and zoledronic acid, can decrease pain and bone-related complications, improve performance status, and preserve quality of life in patients with multiple myeloma 1
• Denosumab is an alternative option for patients with renal disease, with similar efficacy to bisphosphonates in reducing skeletal-related events 1
• The NCCN Guidelines for multiple myeloma recommend bisphosphonates or denosumab for all patients receiving therapy for symptomatic multiple myeloma, regardless of documented bone disease 1

Important Considerations

• Patients on bisphosphonates should have their renal function monitored and undergo a dental examination before starting therapy to prevent osteonecrosis of the jaw 1
• The frequency of dosing and duration of therapy should be based on individual patient criteria and response to therapy 1

From the FDA Drug Label

Paget's disease of bone is a chronic, focal skeletal disorder characterized by greatly increased and disorderly bone remodeling Excessive osteoclastic bone resorption is followed by osteoblastic new bone formation, leading to the replacement of the normal bone architecture by disorganized, enlarged, and weakened bone structure.

The disease that disintegrates bones is Paget's disease of bone, which is characterized by excessive osteoclastic bone resorption followed by osteoblastic new bone formation, leading to weakened bone structure. 2 3

From the Research

Disease Overview

• Osteoporosis is a metabolic bone disease that can lead to bone fragility and increased risk of fractures 4
• It is characterized by a decrease in bone mass and density, making bones more susceptible to disintegration and fractures

Causes and Risk Factors

• Osteoporosis can be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, age, and certain medical conditions 4
• Risk factors for osteoporosis include a family history of the disease, low body mass index, and a history of fractures 4

Treatment and Prevention

• Bisphosphonates, such as alendronate and risedronate, are commonly used to treat and prevent osteoporosis 5, 6, 7
• These medications work by increasing bone mass and reducing the risk of fractures 5, 6, 7
• Other treatments, such as hormone replacement therapy and calcitonin, may also be used to treat osteoporosis 5
• Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption, can also help prevent and manage osteoporosis 4

Disease Progression

• If left untreated, osteoporosis can lead to a vicious cycle of recurrent fractures, often resulting in disability and premature death 4
• Even with treatment, osteoporosis can still progress, and ongoing monitoring and strategic interventions are necessary to prevent fractures 4