The first large scale trial shows that zoledronic acid reduces bone complications in prostate cancer.

It's not unusual for men with prostate cancer to develop secondaries in bone. This can lead to a number of complications - bone pain, fractures and the need to adapt treatment. The drug zoledronic acid (which has been developed by Novartis) can help with these problems.

In a new placebo-controlled study, covering 643 men, zoledronic acid reduced bone complications by 25 per cent. The patients taking the drug also had 41 per cent fewer bone fractures. And while all patients experienced increasing pain because of bone secondaries, those on zoledronic acid had a slower progression of pain. That is, at each point in time, they were reporting less pain than those on placebo. It looks as if zoledronic acid has much to offer in improving quality of life for men with advanced prostate cancer.

Source

Journal of the National Cancer Institute 2nd October 2002