Zoledronic acid for treatment of Paget's disease of bone.
Paget's disease of bone is characterised by a focal increase in bone resorption and bone formation. This anarchic metabolism leads to disorganised bone, with bone pain, fragility, deformity and compression of the peripheral or CNS according to the involved site. Quality of life of sufferers is dramatically impaired. Symptomatic therapy trends to relieve pain, but cannot seek to prevent other complications. Only 'specific' therapy can fulfil this purpose. Bisphosphonates have become the cornerstone for therapy of Paget's disease in the last 25 years. Progressively stronger bisphosphonates have been launched on the market. The last drug available, zoledronic acid, the most potent of this drug family, can be administered intravenously. It possesses a long-acting efficacy, allowing a follow up on a yearly basis and permitting the chance of a very long remission of the Pagetic lesion. In the long term, prevention of severe complications can be envisaged, with a reasonable pharmacoeconomic cost.
Devogelaer
Jean-Pierre
JP
Professor of Rheumatology, Saint-Luc University Hospital, Arthritis Unit, Université catholique de Louvain, Avenue Hippocrate 10, B-1200 Brussels, Belgium. jean-pierre.devogelaer@uclouvain.be
Manicourt
Daniel H
DH
D000818:Animals; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010001:Osteitis Deformans / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D000077211:Zoledronic Acid
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D007093:Imidazoles; D000077211:Zoledronic Acid