Zometa ® Reduces Bone Loss in Prostate Cancer Patients

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According to a recent article published in the Journal of Urology, Zometa ® (zoledronic acid) appears to reduce bone loss in men with prostate cancer being treated with androgen deprivation therapy.

One type of treatment used for prostate cancer is called hormone therapy. Prostate cancer cells are stimulated to grow from the male hormone testosterone and hormone therapy, sometimes referred to as androgen deprivation therapy, is used to reduce the levels of male hormones available to the cancer cells. One of the major side effects of treating patients with androgen deprivation for prostate cancer is osteoporosis, or bone loss, which can lead to fractures.

Zometa ® is a bisphosphonate that has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of cancer-related hypercalcemia (high levels of Calcium in the blood) and treatment for bone metastases (spread to bones) in patients with multiple myeloma and hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Previous studies have indicated that Zometa ® may delay or reduce cancer spread to the bone in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Researchers are also evaluating Zometa ® to prevent bone loss and cancer spread to the bone.

Researchers from Massachusettes General Hospital and 5 other medical institutions recently conducted a clinical trial evaluating Zometa ® in patients with localized prostate cancer being treated with androgen deprivation therapy. This study included 106 men who were randomly selected to receive either Zometa ® or a placebo (inactive substitute) for one year. Bone mineral density increased by approximately 5.6% in the spine in men receiving Zometa ®, compared to a decrease of 2.2% in men receiving placebo. Bone density in the hip and leg also increased in patients treated with Zometa ® and decreased in patients treated with placebo. Zometa ® was well tolerated.

The researchers concluded that Zometa ® reduces bone loss in men with prostate cancer who are being treated with androgen deprivation therapy and is well tolerated. Patients undergoing androgen deprivation therapy may wish to speak with their physician about the risks and benefits of participating in a clinical trial further evaluating Zometa ®. Two sources of information regarding ongoing clinical trials include the National Cancer Institute ( cancer.gov) and . eCancerTrials.com also provides personalized clinical trial searches on behalf of patients.

Reference: Smith MR, Eastham J, Gleason DM, et al. Randomized controlled trial of zoledronic acid to prevent bone loss in men receiving androgen deprivation therapy for nonmetastatic prostate cancer. Journal of Urology . 2003; 169:2008-2012.