Bisphosphonates (Bis) v placebo or control in metastatic bone disease*
| Outcomes at ⩾6 months | Weighted event rates Bis v placebo or control | RRR (95% CI) | NNT (CI) |
|---|---|---|---|
| *Abbreviations defined in glossary; RRR, NNT, and CI calculated from data in article using a random effects model. Studies ranged in duration from 6 months to >2 years. | |||
| Vertebral fractures | 18% v 22% | 23% (10 to 35) | 22 (14 to 44) |
| Non-vertebral fractures | 16% v 22% | 28% (15 to 38) | 18 (12 to 38) |
| Combined fractures | 27% v 34% | 24% (14 to 32) | 14 (10 to 24) |
| Radiotherapy | 28% v 36% | 23% (15 to 31) | 12 (8 to 22) |
| Hypercalcaemia | 8% v 11% | 40% (15 to 58) | 30 (19 to 74) |
| Orthopaedic surgery | 6% v 7% | 29% (−4 to 41) | Not significant |
| Spinal cord compression | 3% v 4% | 22% (–16 to 48) | Not significant |