PrintCanada's first use of an exciting new therapy started at the Osteoporosis Clinic Oct 27. Dr. Angela Cheung, Director of the Osteoporosis Program and other physicians at the Osteoporosis Clinic began using a revolutionary treatment that stimulates new bone formation and increases bone mass within 18 months. It's a treatment that Dr. Cheung refers to as a "paradox." Patients with high levels of a hormone known as parathyroid in their blood can suffer from increased bone loss; however, when the parathyroid hormone is given as pulse injections daily, it has the opposite effect, helping build bones for patients with osteoporosis.
"Osteoporosis is as common as heart disease,” said Dr. Cheung, “and, we are only just beginning to see its impact on our population.” More than 1.4 million Canadians suffer from this systemic disease, which is characterized by low bone mass. Loss of bone can occur for many years without symptoms until a fracture occurs. That's why Dr. Cheung approaches the disease through prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment. The goal for many patients is to slow the progression of the disease.
The Osteoporosis Program at UHN has three major components: clinical and lab services, an internationally recognized research program, and an academic teaching program. Current research projects include the ECKO study on vitamin K and bone health in postmenopausal women with osteopenia. Recruitment has been completed and the study will continue for another two years. Researchers are currently recruiting volunteers for a Bone Stiffness Study. Dr. Cheung and her team hope to determine how well a radiation-free bone stiffness measurement can predict the risk of bone fractures.
