Zoledronic acid, a type of bisphosphonate, is given to myeloma patients to increase bone strength and reduce the risk for fracture and bone pain that are a common feature of the disease. It is also used in patients as well as for treating osteoporosis.
Results from a study published in the Dec. 4 online edition of The Lancet suggest that treating multiple myeloma patients with zoledronic acid can improve survival.
Although prior research has suggested that zoledronic acid (brand names include Zometa and Reclast) may have a broader anti-cancer effect, the current study finds that a well-tolerated regimen of the drug can reduce the risk of death among myeloma patients."These data add to growing clinical evidence supporting anti-cancer benefits with zoledronic acid in patients with newly diagnosed cancers," the study team, led by Gareth J. Morgan from the Institute of Cancer Research in London, said in a journal news release.
The authors base their conclusions on work with 1,960 multiple myeloma patients, about half of whom were treated with zoledronic acid in combination with either intensive or non-intensive chemotherapy. The other half received clodronic acid (another type of bisphosphonate) and equivalent chemotherapy regimens.
Treatments continued for an average of one year, while further follow-up was conducted for nearly four years.
The zoledronic acid patients experienced 16 percent fewer fatalities (and saw their life expectancy extended by 5.5 months) compared with those on the alternative treatment program, the authors found.
The team also noted that progression-free survival rates came in 12 percent better among those given zoledronic acid. Chemotherapy intensity did not appear to affect fatality and survival outcomes.
Side effects can include fatigue, anemia, muscle aches, fever, and/or swelling in the feet or legs and Flu-like symptoms.
Contraindications are Poor renal function, Hypocalcemia, Pregnancy and Paralysis.
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