Denosumab discontinuation
Denosumab discontinuation has been studied in 3 papers since 2021: 1 observational study in people, 1 in animals; 1 in the past year. The newest paper, Feb 26, 2026: “Modeling rebound bone loss following denosumab discontinuation and sequential zoledronate therapy in TgRANKL osteoporotic mice”.
3 papers study it4 findingsUpdated
See all 3 papers on denosumab discontinuation
At a glance
Independent labs found the same change in people. 3 independent labs in 3 countries.
“We identified 1 case of spontaneous vertebral fractures after denosumab stoppage.”
None of its findings points the other way.
- 3 independent labs in 3 countries
- Funders: Novo Nordisk Foundation and others
- Humans1
- Animals1
What did studies of denosumab discontinuation find?
1Studies of denosumab discontinuation measured one outcome, bone density.
Bone density
downin mice1
1 study
Bone density
downin mice1
Denosumab discontinuation decreases bone density in TgRANKL mice following denosumab discontinuation.
“discontinuation resulted in a rebound bone loss accompanied by elevated bone turnover markers”
Animalsin TgRANKL mice following denosumab discontinuation
Frontiers in endocrinology
What is denosumab discontinuation linked with?
2Studies link denosumab discontinuation with 2 measures: vertebral fracture and trabecular bone resorption.
Vertebral fracture
upin humans2
2 studies
Vertebral fracture
upin humans2
Denosumab discontinuation is associated with vertebral fracture in humans (Postmenopausal osteoporosis; 11th denosumab injection delayed by 4 months) (Eight spontaneous vertebral fractures).
“We present a case report of multiple vertebral fractures after denosumab discontinuation”
HumansPostmenopausal osteoporosis; 11th denosumab injection delayed by 4 monthsvertebrafemales
Bone reports
Denosumab discontinuation is associated with vertebral fracture in humans After denosumab discontinuation in patients with nonmetastatic breast cancer (1 case).
“We identified 1 case of spontaneous vertebral fractures after denosumab stoppage.”
HumansAfter denosumab discontinuation in patients with nonmetastatic breast cancer60 mg; 2–13 doses before discontinuationMedian follow-up of 18.5 months335 postmenopausal women and 1 mans
HSS journal : the musculoskeletal journal of Hospital for Special Surgery
Trabecular bone resorption
upin humans1
1 study
Trabecular bone resorption
upin humans1
Denosumab discontinuation is associated with trabecular bone resorption in humans (Biopsy following denosumab treatment re-initiation after a 4-month injection delay) (Eroded perimeter per bone perimeter: 33%).
“denosumab discontinuation leads to extensive trabecular bone resorption”
HumansBiopsy following denosumab treatment re-initiation after a 4-month injection delayiliac crest trabecular bonefemales
Bone reports