Professor Richard Eastell

MD FRCP FRCPI FRCPEdin FRCPath FMedSci

Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health

Professor of Bone Metabolism

Director of the Mellanby Centre for Musculoskeletal Research

r.eastell@sheffield.ac.uk
+44 114 215 9006

Metabolic Bone Centre, Sorby Wing, Northern General Hospital

Full contact details

Professor Richard Eastell
Clinical Medicine, School of Medicine and Population Health
Metabolic Bone Centre, Sorby Wing
Northern General Hospital
Herries Road
Sheffield
S5 7AU

Profile

For enquiries, please contact – ClinMed-Operational@sheffield.ac.uk

I received a clinical fellowship from the Medical Research Council to study osteoporosis at the University of Edinburgh in 1978. I furthered my clinical research training by working at the Mayo Clinic under the supervision of Dr B L Riggs where I worked for five years. I developed a number of new approaches for studying osteoporosis while at the Mayo Clinic including the use of stable (non-radioactive) isotopes to measure the absorption of calcium from food, the use of an infusion technique to measure the production of the active form of vitamin D, the measurement of bone density at the site in the wrist where fractures commonly occur (the ultradistal radius) and a height ratio approach to identifying vertebral fractures on radiographs of the spine. I began my training in endocrinology and diabetes at the Western General Hospital in Edinburgh in 1980 and continued it at Northwick Park Hospital in Harrow in 1982 and at the Mayo Clinic in 1987.

I joined the School of Medicine & Population Health at the University of Sheffield in 1989 as a Senior Research Fellow. I set up a metabolic bone service at the Northern General Hospital and am an Honorary NHS Consultant. I became Professor of Bone Metabolism in 1995 and received funding from the Arthritis Research Campaign to use biochemical tests of bone turnover to better understand the way in which older men and women develop osteoporosis and propensity to fracture.

My studies on the cause, diagnosis, prevention and treatment of osteoporosis have been conducted with the support of many colleagues; I have supervised the study for 37 doctoral degrees over the past 30 years. I have published over 550 research papers.

I am currently Director of the Mellanby Centre based at the University of Sheffield. I became an NIHR Senior Investigator in 2009. Some of my recent contributions have been authorship on key papers describing new treatments for osteoporosis, such as tibolone, zoledronic acid, denosumab and lasofoxifene as well as addressing issues about safety of medications and provide guidelines to diagnose primary hyperparathyroidism, a common disorder resulting in high levels of blood calcium.

My work as a clinical investigator was recognised in 2014, by the Frederick C Bartter Award from the American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Research interests

My research focus is osteoporosis. The University of Sheffield is well regarded for its contribution to the study of osteoporosis. I have been ranked the third most highly-cited researcher in the world in the field of osteoporosis (Pluskiewicz W, et al. Arch Osteoporos. 2018 Mar 26;13(1):35). I study the epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment of the disease. This has involved developing and establishing assays for bone turnover markers and studying their clinical utility. I have developed new approaches to the definition of vertebral fracture and applied new approaches such as vertebral fracture assessment. I have developed tools to evaluate bone strength such as high-resolution quantitative computed tomography, ultrasound and finite element modelling of bone strength. I have evaluated the endocrine changes in osteoporosis to better understand its causes. I have designed and conducted clinical trials of nutrition and drugs for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. I have evaluated approaches to enhance compliance with treatment.

Current projects:

• Anabolic effects of teriparatide on bone
• The onset and offset of bisphosphonates on bone
• Determinants of peak bone mass
• Hypophosphatasia

Publications

Show: Featured publications All publications

Featured publications

Journal articles

Desborough R, Nicklin P, Gossiel F, Balasubramanian M, Walsh JS, Petryk A, Teynor M & Eastell R (2021) Clinical and biochemical characteristics of adults with hypophosphatasia attending a metabolic bone clinic. Bone, 144, 115795-115795.
Schini M, Nicklin P & Eastell R (2020) Establishing race-, gender- and age-specific reference intervals for pyridoxal 5’-phosphate in the NHANES population to better identify adult hypophosphatasia. Bone, 141. View this article in WRRO
Eastell R, Black DM, Lui L, Chines A, Marin F, Khosla S, Papp AE, Cauley JA, Mitlak B, McCulloch CE , Vittinghoff E et al (2020) Treatment‐related changes in bone turnover and fracture risk reduction in clinical trials of antiresorptive drugs: proportion of treatment effect explained. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. View this article in WRRO
Black DM, Geiger EJ, Eastell R, Vittinghoff E, Li BH, Ryan DS, Dell RM & Adams AL (2020) Atypical Femur Fracture Risk versus Fragility Fracture Prevention with Bisphosphonates. New England Journal of Medicine, 383(8), 743-753.
Black DM, Bauer DC, Vittinghoff E, Lui L-Y, Grauer A, Marin F, Khosla S, de Papp A, Mitlak B, Cauley JA , McCulloch CE et al (2020) Treatment-related changes in bone mineral density as a surrogate biomarker for fracture risk reduction: meta-regression analyses of individual patient data from multiple randomised controlled trials. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 8(8), 672-682.
Schini M, Jacques R, Oakes E, Peel N, Walsh J & Eastell R (2020) Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism : study of its prevalence and natural history. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 105(4). View this article in WRRO
Shoback D, Rosen CJ, Black DM, Cheung AM, Murad MH & Eastell R (2020) Pharmacological Management of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women: An Endocrine Society Guideline Update. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 105(3), 587-594.
Paggiosi MA, Debono M, Walsh JS, Peel NFA & Eastell R (2020) Quantitative computed tomography discriminates between postmenopausal women with low spine bone mineral density with vertebral fractures and those with low spine bone mineral density only: the SHATTER study. Osteoporosis International, 31(4), 667-675.
Gossiel F, Paggiosi MA, Naylor KE, McCloskey EV, Walsh J, Peel N & Eastell R (2020) The effect of bisphosphosphonates on bone turnover and bone balance in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: The T-score bone marker approach in the TRIO study. Bone, 131.
Cummings SR, Lui L-Y, Eastell R & Allen IE (2019) Association between drug treatments for patients with osteoporosis and overall mortality rates : a meta-analysis. JAMA Internal Medicine, 179(11). View this article in WRRO
Kim TY, Bauer DC, McNabb BL, Schafer AL, Cosman F, Black DM & Eastell R (2019) Comparison of BMD Changes and Bone Formation Marker Levels 3 Years After Bisphosphonate Discontinuation: FLEX and HORIZON-PFT Extension I Trials. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. View this article in WRRO
Bauer DC, Black DM, Bouxsein ML, Lui L-Y, Cauley JA, de Papp AE, Grauer A, Khosla S, McCulloch CE & Eastell R (2018) Treatment‐Related Changes in Bone Turnover and Fracture Risk Reduction in Clinical Trials of Anti‐Resorptive Drugs: A Meta‐Regression. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 33(4), 634-642. View this article in WRRO
Eastell R, Pigott T, Gossiel F, Naylor KE, Walsh JS & Peel NFA (2018) DIAGNOSIS OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Bone turnover markers: are they clinically useful?. European Journal of Endocrinology, 178(1), R19-R31. View this article in WRRO
Evans AL, Paggiosi MA, Eastell R & Walsh JS (2015) Bone Density, Microstructure and Strength in Obese and Normal Weight Men and Women in Younger and Older Adulthood. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 30(5), 920-928. View this article in WRRO
Sestak I, Singh S, Cuzick J, Blake GM, Patel R, Gossiel F, Coleman R, Dowsett M, Forbes JF, Howell A & Eastell R (2014) Changes in bone mineral density at 3 years in postmenopausal women receiving anastrozole and risedronate in the IBIS-II bone substudy: an international, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet Oncology, 15(13), 1460-1468.
Abrahamsen B, Eiken P & Eastell R (2011) Proton pump inhibitor use and the antifracture efficacy of alendronate.. Arch Intern Med, 171(11), 998-1004.
Cummings SR, Ensrud K, Delmas PD, LaCroix AZ, Vukicevic S, Reid DM, Goldstein S, Sriram U, Lee A, Thompson J , Armstrong RA et al (2010) Lasofoxifene in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.. N Engl J Med, 362(8), 686-696.
Cummings SR, San Martin J, McClung MR, Siris ES, Eastell R, Reid IR, Delmas P, Zoog HB, Austin M, Wang A , Kutilek S et al (2009) Denosumab for Prevention of Fractures in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis. NEW ENGL J MED, 361(8), 756-765.
Cummings SR, Ettinger B, Delmas PD, Kenemans P, Stathopoulos V, Verweij P, Mol-Arts M, Kloosterboer L, Mosca L, Christiansen C , Bilezikian J et al (2008) The effects of tibolone in older postmenopausal women. NEW ENGL J MED, 359(7), 697-708.
Eastell R, Adams JE, Coleman RE, Howell A, Hannon RA, Cuzick J, Mackey JR, Beckmann MW & Clack G (2008) Effect of anastrozole on bone mineral density: 5-year results from the anastrozole, tamoxifen, alone or in combination trial 18233230.. J Clin Oncol, 26(7), 1051-1057.
McClung MR, Geusens P, Miller PD, Zippel H, Bensen WG, Roux C, Adami S, Fogelman I, Diamond T, Eastell R , Meunier PJ et al (2001) Effect of risedronate on the risk of hip fracture in elderly women. NEW ENGL J MED, 344(5), 333-340.
Reginster JY, Minne HW, Sorensen OH, Hooper M, Roux C, Brandi ML, Lund B, Ethgen D, Pack S, Roumagnac I , Eastell R et al (2000) Randomized trial of the effects of risedronate on vertebral fractures in women with established postmenopausal osteoporosis. OSTEOPOROSIS INT, 11(1), 83-91.
Cadogan J, Eastell R, Jones N & Barker ME (1997) Milk intake and bone mineral acquisition in adolescent girls: randomised, controlled intervention trial.. BMJ, 315(7118), 1255-1260.

All publications

Journal articles

Desborough R, Nicklin P, Gossiel F, Balasubramanian M, Walsh JS, Petryk A, Teynor M & Eastell R (2021) Clinical and biochemical characteristics of adults with hypophosphatasia attending a metabolic bone clinic. Bone, 144, 115795-115795.
Schini M, Nicklin P & Eastell R (2020) Establishing race-, gender- and age-specific reference intervals for pyridoxal 5’-phosphate in the NHANES population to better identify adult hypophosphatasia. Bone, 141. View this article in WRRO
Eastell R, Black DM, Lui L, Chines A, Marin F, Khosla S, Papp AE, Cauley JA, Mitlak B, McCulloch CE , Vittinghoff E et al (2020) Treatment‐related changes in bone turnover and fracture risk reduction in clinical trials of antiresorptive drugs: proportion of treatment effect explained. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. View this article in WRRO
Black DM, Geiger EJ, Eastell R, Vittinghoff E, Li BH, Ryan DS, Dell RM & Adams AL (2020) Atypical Femur Fracture Risk versus Fragility Fracture Prevention with Bisphosphonates. New England Journal of Medicine, 383(8), 743-753.
Black DM, Bauer DC, Vittinghoff E, Lui L-Y, Grauer A, Marin F, Khosla S, de Papp A, Mitlak B, Cauley JA , McCulloch CE et al (2020) Treatment-related changes in bone mineral density as a surrogate biomarker for fracture risk reduction: meta-regression analyses of individual patient data from multiple randomised controlled trials. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 8(8), 672-682.
Schini M, Jacques R, Oakes E, Peel N, Walsh J & Eastell R (2020) Normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism : study of its prevalence and natural history. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 105(4). View this article in WRRO
Shoback D, Rosen CJ, Black DM, Cheung AM, Murad MH & Eastell R (2020) Pharmacological Management of Osteoporosis in Postmenopausal Women: An Endocrine Society Guideline Update. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 105(3), 587-594.
Paggiosi MA, Debono M, Walsh JS, Peel NFA & Eastell R (2020) Quantitative computed tomography discriminates between postmenopausal women with low spine bone mineral density with vertebral fractures and those with low spine bone mineral density only: the SHATTER study. Osteoporosis International, 31(4), 667-675.
Gossiel F, Paggiosi MA, Naylor KE, McCloskey EV, Walsh J, Peel N & Eastell R (2020) The effect of bisphosphosphonates on bone turnover and bone balance in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis: The T-score bone marker approach in the TRIO study. Bone, 131.
Cummings SR, Lui L-Y, Eastell R & Allen IE (2019) Association between drug treatments for patients with osteoporosis and overall mortality rates : a meta-analysis. JAMA Internal Medicine, 179(11). View this article in WRRO
Kim TY, Bauer DC, McNabb BL, Schafer AL, Cosman F, Black DM & Eastell R (2019) Comparison of BMD Changes and Bone Formation Marker Levels 3 Years After Bisphosphonate Discontinuation: FLEX and HORIZON-PFT Extension I Trials. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research. View this article in WRRO
Bauer DC, Black DM, Bouxsein ML, Lui L-Y, Cauley JA, de Papp AE, Grauer A, Khosla S, McCulloch CE & Eastell R (2018) Treatment‐Related Changes in Bone Turnover and Fracture Risk Reduction in Clinical Trials of Anti‐Resorptive Drugs: A Meta‐Regression. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 33(4), 634-642. View this article in WRRO
Eastell R, Pigott T, Gossiel F, Naylor KE, Walsh JS & Peel NFA (2018) DIAGNOSIS OF ENDOCRINE DISEASE: Bone turnover markers: are they clinically useful?. European Journal of Endocrinology, 178(1), R19-R31. View this article in WRRO
Evans AL, Paggiosi MA, Eastell R & Walsh JS (2015) Bone Density, Microstructure and Strength in Obese and Normal Weight Men and Women in Younger and Older Adulthood. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 30(5), 920-928. View this article in WRRO
Sestak I, Singh S, Cuzick J, Blake GM, Patel R, Gossiel F, Coleman R, Dowsett M, Forbes JF, Howell A & Eastell R (2014) Changes in bone mineral density at 3 years in postmenopausal women receiving anastrozole and risedronate in the IBIS-II bone substudy: an international, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial. The Lancet Oncology, 15(13), 1460-1468.
Abrahamsen B, Eiken P & Eastell R (2011) Proton pump inhibitor use and the antifracture efficacy of alendronate.. Arch Intern Med, 171(11), 998-1004.
Cummings SR, Ensrud K, Delmas PD, LaCroix AZ, Vukicevic S, Reid DM, Goldstein S, Sriram U, Lee A, Thompson J , Armstrong RA et al (2010) Lasofoxifene in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis.. N Engl J Med, 362(8), 686-696.
Cummings SR, San Martin J, McClung MR, Siris ES, Eastell R, Reid IR, Delmas P, Zoog HB, Austin M, Wang A , Kutilek S et al (2009) Denosumab for Prevention of Fractures in Postmenopausal Women with Osteoporosis. NEW ENGL J MED, 361(8), 756-765.
Cummings SR, Ettinger B, Delmas PD, Kenemans P, Stathopoulos V, Verweij P, Mol-Arts M, Kloosterboer L, Mosca L, Christiansen C , Bilezikian J et al (2008) The effects of tibolone in older postmenopausal women. NEW ENGL J MED, 359(7), 697-708.
Eastell R, Adams JE, Coleman RE, Howell A, Hannon RA, Cuzick J, Mackey JR, Beckmann MW & Clack G (2008) Effect of anastrozole on bone mineral density: 5-year results from the anastrozole, tamoxifen, alone or in combination trial 18233230.. J Clin Oncol, 26(7), 1051-1057.
McClung MR, Geusens P, Miller PD, Zippel H, Bensen WG, Roux C, Adami S, Fogelman I, Diamond T, Eastell R , Meunier PJ et al (2001) Effect of risedronate on the risk of hip fracture in elderly women. NEW ENGL J MED, 344(5), 333-340.
Reginster JY, Minne HW, Sorensen OH, Hooper M, Roux C, Brandi ML, Lund B, Ethgen D, Pack S, Roumagnac I , Eastell R et al (2000) Randomized trial of the effects of risedronate on vertebral fractures in women with established postmenopausal osteoporosis. OSTEOPOROSIS INT, 11(1), 83-91.
Cadogan J, Eastell R, Jones N & Barker ME (1997) Milk intake and bone mineral acquisition in adolescent girls: randomised, controlled intervention trial.. BMJ, 315(7118), 1255-1260.

Research group

Current Collaborators

Professor Bo Abrahamsen
Professor Nick Bishop
Dr Dennis Black
Dr Richard Jacques
Professor Cyrus Cooper
Dr Steven Cummings
Dr Paul Dimitri
Pefessor Claus Gluer
Dr David Hughes
Professor Eugene McCloskey
Dr Paul Miller
Dr Nicola Peel
Professor Graham Russell
Professor Mark Wilkinson
Professor Graham Williams

Postgraduate Students

Ankita Duseja
Patryk Zarecki

Teaching interests: I teach medical students and oversee B. Med. Sci. projects. I teach on a number of postgraduate courses as well as giving invited lectures.

Professional activities and memberships: I am an Emeritus Senior Investigator of the NIHR, a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences. I am past president of the European Calcified Tissue Society, the Bone Research Society and past chairman of the National Osteoporosis Society. I am Senior Editor of the journal 'Bone'.