Bone Scan Index Is a Prognostic Factor for Breast Cancer Patients with Bone Metastasis Being Treated with Zoledronic Acid

Bone scan index (BSI) has been used to quantify the spread of bone metastasis and be a prognostic indicator in prostate cancer with bone metastases. However, the utility of BSI in breast cancer patients with bone metastasis has not been yet established. We retrospectively reviewed 57 female breast cancer patients with osteoblastic/lytic combined type bone metastases and treated with zoledronic acid after bone metastasis was identified. Serial bone scintigrams were taken at the time of bone metastasis detection and during the 6- and 12-month follow-ups. The scintigrams were analyzed by BONE NAVITM version 1 and the BSI value was calculated. Additionally, serum cancer antigen 15-3 (CA15-3) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were measured. The patients were divided in 2 distinct groups—group A representing all follow-up BSI values ≤ initial BSI values and group B representing all follow-up BSI values ≥ initial BSI values. The interval changes of CA15-3 and CEA were divided in the same fashion. Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test revealed that the overall survival rate was significantly greater in group A than those of group B after 6 months (p = 0.011) and 12 months (p = 0.016). Univariate analysis revealed that the overall survival rate was significantly greater in group A than those of group B, after a 6 month period (Hazard Ratio [HR] 5.841;95% confidence interval [CI] 1.248 - 27.34;p = 0.025) and 12 month period (HR: 4.22;95% CI 1.17615.15;p = 0.027). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that BSI changes after 6 and 12 months trended toward significance regarding parameters affecting survival rate (age and CA15-3) with a HR = 12.760 (95%CI 1.8110 - 89.850) at 6 months with a p = 0.010 and a HR = 5.0640 (95%CI 1.0590 - 24.220) at 12 months with a p = 0.042. BSI changes after 6 and 12 months appear to be a prognostic factor in breast cancer patients with bone metastasis treated with zoledronic acid.

Image Findings Following Vertebroplasty in Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fractures: Bone Healing and Sagittal Alignment

Purpose: To clarify the effect of percutaneous vertebroplasty for vertebral compression fracture by assessing the changes of radiographic and CT image findings. Materials and Methods: A retrospective radiological analysis comprising 101 vertebrae of 48 patients who underwent percutaneous vertebroplasty for painful osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture was conducted. Whole spine radiographs and CT images were compared in patients preoperatively and 6 months postoperativey. Sagittal Cobb angles in three regions, sagittal vertical axis, and pelvic tilt were measured using whole spine lateral radiographs. CT findings due to the vertebral compression fracture, its healing process, and complications were evaluated. Results: On radiographs, sagittal alignment had an average gain of no more than 2.5° in each region. Sagittal vertical axis and pelvic tilt did not show significant change. Out of 68 vertebrae that demonstrated cortical disruption on preoperative CT, 37 (54%) demonstrated fusion of disrupted cortex on postoperative CT. Conclusion: No significant difference was observed between preoperative and postoperative spinal sagittal alignment on radiographs. However, CT did reveal healing process through fusion of disrupted cortex, intervertebral bridging, and increased density of cancellous bone. It is suggested that cement in the space of fracture may play a role in both mechanical stability and bone union.