Objective: This review summarizes recent findings on the therapeutic benefits of biphosphonates in patients with advanced prostate or renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The role of biphosphonates in ADT-induced osteoporosis and delay of skeletal-related events (SREs) in metastatic bone disease is discussed. A brief overview on the proposed modes of action is given. Methods: Literature search of PubMed documented publications and abstracts from meetings. Results: Among the biphosphonates currently available, zoledronic acid is the only one known to be capable of delaying SREs in RCC and prostate cancer patients. Zoledronic acid counteracts cancer treatment-induced osteoporosis in men with prostate malignancies. The antitumor activity of biphosphonates found in vitro and in vivo is intriguing and has to be further assessed in clinical studies. Conclusion: Due to its unique properties, zoledronic acid is a breakthrough in the management of metastatic bone disease in patients with advanced prostate cancer and RCC. It significantly improves the patients’ quality of life, drastically prolongs time to first SRE, and showed a positive but not significant effect on survival.

This content is only available via PDF.
© 2006 S. Karger AG, Basel
2006
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.