GAPS IN KNOWLEDGE
Clinical practice will eventually improve as our understanding
of current gaps in knowledge, research, and
education increases. These include the following:
• the incidence of osteoporosis in the cancer
patient and survivor populations compared with
the incidence in the general public
• the incidence, risk factors, and best treatment
for osteoporosis in cancers other than breast
and prostate cancer
• scientific evidence for the role of vitamin D and
calcium in the reduction of bone loss in
cancer survivors
• the effect of weight-bearing exercise on cancer
therapy–induced bone loss
• research and development of consensus on the best
screening methods for bone loss in cancer survivors
• research and development of consensus on the
best strategies to prevent osteoporosis induced by
cancer therapies
• research on the effectiveness of bisphosphonate
therapy in the prevention or treatment of cancer
therapy–induced bone loss