Bisphosphonates

The development of bisphoshonates - synthetic analogues of pyrophosphate, a naturally occurring substance - represents a major therapeutic advance. By inhibiting bone resorption, they correct hypercalcaemia and hypercalcuria, reduce pain and the occurrence of fractures and, by consequence, improve quality of life. In view of these actions and their excellent tolerability, they are now the treatment of choice in Paget's disease, tumour-induced bone disease and malignant hypercalcaemia. In this timely volume, the authors review the latest developments in this fascinating field, focusing on the cellular and molecular mechanisms of action of bisphosphonates, their current use and their potential role in the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.