Effect of a randomized controlled exercise trial on bone outcomes: influence of adjuvant endocrine therapy

154 female cancer survivors were randomized to receive either a 12-month aerobic-resistance exercise program or a home-based exercise regimen. The purpose of this study was to compare bone outcomes following the two treatments to determine their effect on bone loss in this patient population. Both groups experienced significant losses in bone mineral density at multiple sites over the 12 months study period. No significant differences were observed between groups in the change in bone mineral density at the lumbar spine, greater trochanter, hip, or femoral neck. Subgroup analyses found that the use of aromatase inhibitors, an endocrine therapy, may reduce bone mineral density when compared to patients taking tamoxifen or no hormone therapy.