Glossary Term:

Title

bisphosphonates

Phonetic

bis-<b>FAHS</b>-fun-<b>ates</b>

Description

Drugs that slow down the action of osteoclasts which break down bone. When cancer spreads to the bones, it can make osteoclasts overactive. Bisphosphonates can be used to help relieve pain and high calcium levels caused by cancer that has spread to bones, help slow the growth of cancer that has spread to the bones, help delay or prevent fractures, and in some cases, help strengthen bones.