Presently, intravenous bisphosphonates are routinely used every 3 to 4 weeks in patients with osseous metastases from breast cancer. However, there is no data addressing the effects of intravenous bisphosphonate therapy on the results of bone scan imaging. Therefore, the first step in the collaboration between MSKCC Breast Cancer Medicine Service and Nuclear Medicine Service is to define whether or not intravenous bisphosphonate therapy affects the results of bone imaging with the standard technetium, Tc-99m MDP. Women receiving intravenous bisphosphonate therapy for breast cancer metastases involving bone at MSKCC are eligible for this diagnostic clinical is no therapeutic intent in this study.
Bone Scan performed before intravenous bisphosphonate therapy (baseline as clinically indicated). Ideally, the bone scan will be performed immediately before to, bisphosphonate therapy.
Zoledronic acid, intravenous bisphosphonate therapy (as clinically indicated)
Bone Scan performed within 1 day after intravenous bisphosphonate therapy (study test).
Number of lesions seen in the baseline and study test will be counted and compared for changes in imaging results induced by intravenous bisphosphonate therapy.
The number of lesions detected by bone scan pre and post therapy will be recorded and the difference will be calculated.
