Phase II Trial Evaluating the Palliative Benefit of Second-Line Zoledronic Acid in Breast Cancer Patients With Either a Skeletal-Related Event or Progressive Bone Metastases Despite First-Line Bisphosphonate Therapy

Abstract

This is the first study to demonstrate that patients with either progressive bone metastases or SREs while on clodronate or pamidronate can have relevant palliative benefits with a switch to the more potent bisphosphonate zoledronic acid. This is reflected by significant improvements in pain control and bone turnover markers. If confirmed in randomized trials, these findings have major implications to the use of bisphosphonates in both the metastatic and adjuvant settings.