Rebound-associated vertebral fractures after denosumab discontinuation in a lung cancer patient with bone metastases

Abstract

Denosumab is a commonly used antiresorptive treatment in patients with osteoporosis or solid tumours with bone metastases. Upon denosumab discontinuation, a rebound phenomenon can occur that results in an increased (vertebral) fracture risk. This phenomenon is well-known in the setting of osteoporosis but rarely reported in cancer patients with bone metastases discontinuing denosumab. We present the case of a 43-year old women with lung cancer and bone metastases who suffered multiple vertebral fractures after discontinuation of denosumab.

Keywords

• Bone turnover markers
• Denosumab
• Osteoporosis
• Vertebral fractures
• Rebound phenomenon