Investigating the link between long-term bisphosphonate use and atypical femur fractures
Pooling International Cohort Studies of Long-Term Bisphosphonate Use and Atypical Femur Fractures
This study is looking at how long-term use of bisphosphonate medications, which help prevent fractures in people with osteoporosis, might be linked to rare thigh bone fractures, so we can better understand who might be at higher or lower risk and help patients and doctors make smarter treatment choices.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10915431 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to understand the risks associated with long-term use of bisphosphonate medications, which are commonly prescribed to prevent fractures in individuals with osteoporosis. By pooling data from three large cohort studies, the project will analyze the occurrence of atypical femur fractures (AFF) in relation to bisphosphonate treatment and drug holidays. The study will help identify which groups of patients may be at higher or lower risk for these rare fractures, providing valuable insights for both patients and healthcare providers in making informed treatment decisions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have been prescribed bisphosphonates for osteoporosis and are concerned about the risk of atypical femur fractures.
Not a fit: Patients who are not using bisphosphonates or those who do not have osteoporosis may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could help patients make better-informed decisions about bisphosphonate use, potentially reducing the risk of serious fractures.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated potential risks associated with bisphosphonate use, but this study aims to provide more comprehensive insights through pooled data analysis.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bauer, Douglas C — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Bauer, Douglas C
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.