Zoledronic acid for cancer therapy--induced and postmenopausal bone loss.
BACKGROUND
Cancer therapy-induced bone loss (CTIBL) and bone loss in postmenopausal (PMW) increase fracture risk.


OBJECTIVE
To review the efficacy and safety of zoledronic acid (ZA) for prevention and treatment of CTIBL and postmenopausal bone loss.


METHODS
Using PubMed, a search of the English language literature (January 1950 to November 2007) was performed to identify articles evaluating ZA in CTIBL patients without bone metastases and for postmenopausal bone loss; articles were reviewed and evaluated.


CONCLUSIONS
Intermittent administration of ZA increases BMD, decreases bone turnover markers, and is well tolerated in both cancer patients without bone metastases and osteopenic/osteoporotic PMW. In osteopenic/osteoporotic PMW, ZA also decreases fracture rates and prevents second fractures. The optimal regimens in these populations are unknown.
Brufsky
Adam M
AM
Magee-Womens Hospital, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. brufskyam@upmc.edu
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D015519:Bone Density / Q000187:drug effects; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D015663:Osteoporosis, Postmenopausal / Q000188:drug therapy; D000077211:Zoledronic Acid
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D007093:Imidazoles; D000077211:Zoledronic Acid