Prevalence of low bone mass and osteoporosis in patients with cancer: Program for healthy aging.

30 Background: Older adults, 65 years of age and older, with cancer may be at higher risk for low bone mass or osteoporosis, however, the exact magnitude of this condition is unknown. It is postulated that the etiology of low bone mass and osteoporosis in cancer may be a combination of age-related and cancer therapy related bone loss. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort analysis, of older adult cancer patients evaluated at the Program for Healthy Aging at MD Anderson from January 1, 2013 through March 31, 2015. Bone mineral density (BMD) was assessed with a Hologic W densitometer, with a CV% of 1%. Information on prior fractures and falls were also collected. Results: One hundred and nine patients with Bone density tests were included in the analysis, with males (n = 57) constituting 52% of cases, the mean age was 77 years, range 65 – 93 years. Race: white (n = 79, 74.5%), African- American (n = 23, 21.2%), Asian (n = 4, 3.8%). Ethnicity: Latino (n = 8, 11.4%). Cases included hematologic cancers (n = 41, 37.6%), breast cancer (n = 19, 17.4%), prostate cancer (n = 15, 13.8%), gastrointestinal cancers (n = 10, 9.2%), and bladder and lung cancer each (n = 6, 5.5%). Low bone mass and osteoporosis was identified in 87 cases (80%). Only 26 cases reported falls in the preceding 6 months, while 11 cases had a prior fracture after the age of 50 years. Additional risk factors for falls and fractures included cognitive impairment, malnutrition, and polypharmacy. Conclusions: Low bone mass and osteoporosis are highly prevalent conditions in older patients with hematologic and solid malignancies. A greater awareness of such, should allow for effective interventions in order to prevent fractures and their negative impact on quality of life.