The International Myeloma Foundation (UK) charity says that national guidelines on treating multiple myeloma are needed, after a survey showed that haematologists may be prescribing bisphosphonates too late to be of benefit.
The charity says that evidence suggests that using bisphosphonates at an early stage of the disease gives the greatest benefit, as the drugs protect bone structure before it becomes damaged.
Over 40 per cent of haematologists who took part in the charity's survey would not prescribe bisphosphonates in the early phase (stage I) of the multiple myeloma and the majority said that they would only consider prescribing these drugs at a more advanced stage (stage III) when, according to the IMF, bony complications are already painful and debilitating.
Dr Charles Singer (consultant haematologist, Royal United hospital, Bath) said: " This survey provides a benchmark of current practice against which we can assess the future effect of evidence-based guidelines."
Patients with multiple myeloma suffer uncontrolled growth of plasma cells in the bone marrow, which can cause bone destruction, bone marrow failure and renal insufficiency.