Methods to Diagnose, Treat and Prevent Bone Loss

Abstract

Methods of diagnosing and preventing bone loss and/or enhancing bone formation are disclosed. The invention additionally provides methods of diagnosing a predisposition to bone loss. The methods mathematically combine the information provided by imaging tests with the information provided by biomarkers to provide an index value. The index value is used for diagnosis of bone diseases, and to assess the progress of treatment of bone diseases.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for diagnosis and treatment of bone disease of a subject using a computer system, the method comprising:
 obtaining image data of the subject using an imaging technique selected from the group consisting of x-rays, ultrasound, computed tomography, MRI and combinations thereof;   deriving from the image data one or more imaging descriptors defining bone disease characteristics;   deriving quantitative information from the one or more imaging descriptors and relating it to a numerical value;   using a mathematical function to relate (i) the level of one or more biomarkers with (ii) the numerical value to obtain a test value;   comparing the test value with a control value, wherein a test value which differs from the control value by a predetermined amount is indicative of a bone disease; and   selecting a therapy based on the bone disease.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein selecting a therapy includes providing an anti-resorptive drug to the subject if the comparison indicates that the bone disease is based on bone resorption. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the anti-resorptive drug is bisphosphonate. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein selecting a therapy includes providing an anabolic drug to the subject if the comparison indicates that the disease is based on lack of bone formation. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the anabolic drug is a parathyroid hormone. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more biomarkers are selected from the group consisting of calcium, hydroxyproline, alkaline phosphatase, procollagen Type I and its cleavage products, osteocalcin, bone collagen peptides, pyridinoline, hydroxy lysyl pyridinoline, lysyl pyridinoline, n-telopeptide and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the biomarker is calcium. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the biomarker is hydroxyproline. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the biomarker is alkaline phosphatase. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the one or more imaging descriptors are selected from the group consisting of bone mass, bone density, local thickness of bone, structure of bone and combinations thereof. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the imaging descriptor is bone mass. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the imaging descriptor is bone density.