Chemotherapy and adjuvant therapies' impact on the internal remodeling process of bone and its mechanical behavior for breast cancer patients

• Ait Oumghar Imane
• Barkaoui Abdelwahed
• Merzouki Tarek
• Guenoun Daphné
• Chabrand Patrick

• Bone
• Bone density
• Breast cancer
• Finite element modeling
• Mechanobiology

Breast cancer is a significant public health issue affecting women worldwide. While advancements in treatment options have led to improved survival rates, the impact of breast cancer and its treatments on bone health cannot be overlooked. Bone remodeling is a complex process regulated by the delicate balance between bone formation and resorption. Any disruption to this balance can lead to decreased bone density, increased fracture risk, and compromised physical function. To investigate the effects of breast cancer and its treatments on bone remodeling, a finite element model was developed in this study. This model incorporated bone remodeling equations to simulate the mechanical behavior of bone under different conditions. The ABAQUS/UMAT software was used to simulate the behavior of bone tissue under the influence of breast cancer and treatments. Our findings suggest that bone loss is more pronounced after secondary breast cancer and treatment, leading to bone loss (6%–19% decrease in BV/TV), reduced bone stimulation, and decreased effectiveness of physical activity on recovery. These results highlight the importance of early intervention and management of bone health in breast cancer patients to mitigate the negative impact of cancer and treatment on bone remodeling.