Denosumab boosts bone mineral in prostate cancer

A phase III trial demonstrated that denosumab can reduce fracture risk in men with nonmetastatic prostate cancer undergoing androgen deprivation therapy, Amgen announced.

In the HALT study, 1,468 men undergoing ADT for nonmetastatic prostate cancer and treated with denosumab (60 mg) experienced a 62% reduction in the risk of suffering a new vertebral fracture at 36 months compared to placebo. Patients experienced a 6.7% increase in BMD at the lumbar spine at 24 months compared to those receiving placebo. Increases in BMD at the lumbar spine were observed as early as one month after starting treatment with denosumab and continued to increase throughout the study (N Engl J Med online, August 11, 2009).