I haven't been on this forum and coming back I am reminded of all of the good information and the wonderful support! I recently got a bone density scan and was diagnosed with Osteopenia. My doctor is sending me to endocrinologist but believes that the Sprycel might be contributing to my low bone density. I read a couple of articles and it appears that Dasatinib is actually used in low dosages to increase bone density but results are inconclusive. I have been on a 100mg of Sprycel for over 2 years. Thoughts?
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Dasatinib/Sprycel and Bone Density
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Osteopenia, independent of dasatanib is impacted by vitamin D and vitamin K2 blood levels. Being deficient in one or the other vitamin, but especially vitamin K2 can easily lead to bone loss. Calcium naturally wants to "dissolve" out of our bones and deposit into soft tissue. Our body's chemistry works against this natural gradient to do the opposite - move calcium from soft tissue into bone (active transport). It does this by using an enzyme system (osteocalcin) which binds to calcium in soft tissue and blood and as the blood circulates through bone excess calcium is deposited. Osteocalcin is vitamin K2 dependent. This process is what maintains a tight range of calcium ion in the blood. When vitamin D and/or vitamin K2 are deficient, calcium will tend to deposit in soft tissues (kidney, liver, arteries, etc.). As calcium is removed from the blood through soft tissue deposition, it must be replaced. Bones will lose calcium in response so that blood calcium ion levels are maintained. Our bones are more than a skeleton, they are a reservoir of calcium specifically to make sure calcium is always available to the body during non-feeding times (extended fasts). We can survive in deficient states with other minerals for a time, but calcium is vital and must be maintained always in the blood. Our bones are very active in this regard. They release calcium when needed and store calcium when there is plenty (food)*.
You should consider checking your vitamin D level and make sure it is above 50 ng/ml AND take vitamin K2 supplements (aka MK-7) at a minimum of 200 mcg per day, and given your osteopenia, as much as 400-500 mcg per day. Both vitamins are fat soluble meaning they need to be taken with fat (avocado, cheese ...).
After six months, your osteopenia may very well disappear. It did for a friend of mine who had the same issue. She followed the above protocol and after six months her bone density improved and her osteopenia was gone. In my case, I had hardening of the arteries (very bad in fact). After two years, it was eliminated. My calcium score is zero. It's just chemistry.
(* taking calcium supplements does not help in treating osteopenia and can make the problem much worse if vitamin K2 deficient. If you eat veggies, you are getting plenty of calcium. It is the transport of calcium which is key. Taking calcium supplements without addressing osteocalcin will just lead to more calcium in your arteries and organs.)
Hi Colleen,
I too have read about dasatinib helping with bone formation and increased bone strength.
I am interested in learning more about this.
Perhaps there will be more information on the topic soon.
Bone density is measured with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). DEXA is a quick and painless imaging test that uses X-rays to determine whether you have healthy bones, osteopenia or osteoporosis. It provides a score called a T-score:
+1 to –1 indicates normal bone density.
–1 to –2.5 indicates osteopenia.
–2.5 or lower means osteoporosis.
DEXA gives healthcare providers a “baseline measurement.” That means they can compare the current test results to future results to determine whether bone density decreases over time.
What causes osteopenia?
Bones are made of living tissue. Up until about age 30, a healthy person builds more bone than he or she loses. But after age 35, bones begin to break down faster than they build up. Even in a healthy person, bone density decreases throughout life, by less than 1 percent per year.
Some things can make bone loss happen more quickly, leading to osteopenia, such as:
Medical conditions such as hyperthyroidism.
Medications such as prednisone and some treatments for cancer, heartburn, high blood pressure and seizures.
Hormonal changes during menopause.
Poor nutrition, especially a diet too low in calcium or vitamin D.
Surgery on the gastrointestinal system, which can affect the body’s ability to absorb needed nutrients and minerals.
Unhealthy lifestyle choices, such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol or caffeine, and not exercising.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21855-osteopenia