Construction of a database for the evaluation and the clinical management of patients with breast cancer treated with antiestrogens and/or aromatase inhibitors

Breast cancer, mostly exhibiting an hormone-dependent pathogenesis, is a commonly diagnosed cancer in females. It is well known that sex steroids favor the process of carcinogenesis of breast tissue and anti-hormonal therapy of breast cancer aims to decrease the action of estrogens on this tissue. For this purpose, two different compounds are prevalently used: the Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators, preventing the cancer cell to interact with estrogens, and Aromatase Inhibitors, inhibiting the tissue conversion of androgens into estrogens. Unfortunately, latter treatments negatively impact on bone mass leading to the onset of osteoporosis. For this purpose, we propose to build a database to afford, to store and analyze information about the effects of treatment with Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators and/or Aromatase Inhibitors on bone metabolism in patients with breast cancer referred to Our Center. We will focus on the possibility of intervening to reduce the negative effects on bone both by the identification of modifiable risk factors and administration of specific therapies, in order to create a therapeutic, diagnostic standard workup for these diseases.