Is there a role for ibandronate in the treatment of prostate cancer patients with bony metastases?
OBJECTIVE
Zoledronic acid is widely accepted as the treatment of choice for a number of cancers which metastasise to bone and is the only bisphosphonate licensed for the treatment of prostate cancer. However, drug related nephrotoxicity, although rare, does pose a significant complication when using zoledronic acid. Prostate cancer patients are generally older than 65 years of age and already exhibit some form of impaired renal function. Thus, for prostate cancer patients who are unable to tolerate zoledronic acid there is a need for an alternative bisphosphonate. One possibility could be ibandronate which is also a potent third generation, nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate and is an attractive choice for some patients due to the fact it is available in both intravenous and oral preparations.


METHODS
This article reviews the current published literature regarding the use of ibandronate in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer.


RESULTS
Preliminary data emerging from small Phase II studies suggests ibandronate may provide a therapeutic alternative for the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer when zoledronic acid is deemed unsuitable.


CONCLUSIONS
Further in vivo research with ibandronate in prostate cancer is urgently needed in order to elucidate whether this bisphosphonate may play a role in the treatment and palliative management of metastatic prostate cancer.
Morgan
Claire
C
Human Cancer Studies Group, Institute of Life Sciences, Swansea University, Singleton Park, UK. c.morgan@swansea.ac.uk
Wagstaff
John
J
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000556:secondary; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D000077557:Ibandronic Acid; D008297:Male; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates; D000077557:Ibandronic Acid