Bone-Loss Drug May Slow Spread, Recurrence of Breast Cancers, Study Finds

A drug frequently used to reduce bone loss may also greatly reduce the chances that certain breast cancers will spread or recur, new medical research shows.

The bone-loss drug, zoledronic acid, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration for bone complications of cancer, such as fractures. However, a new study published in The New England Journal of Medicine finds the drug reduced the spread and recurrence of some breast cancers by more than 33 percent.

Other studies are testing the drug to see if they are as effective as controlling prostate and lung cancers.

New Study Shows Cancer Benefits

The study, conducted by the University of Vienna, involved 1,803 premenopausal women with tumors powered by estrogen. As part of their treatment, half of the women in the study were given zoledronic acid as an intravenous infusion twice a year for three years.

Women who took the drug had a 36 percent reduction in cancer recurrences and metastases, compared with women who did not receive the drug. Some cancer researchers were thrilled, calling it “a landmark study” and “reason for real enthusiasm” among people battling breast cancer. Others said the jury is still out on zoledronic acid as a cancer fighter and that they are waiting for larger studies on the subject to conclude in the next few years before deciding the validity of the use.

Hormonal Therapy Can Weaken Bones

Many women undergoing hormonal therapy for breast cancer already take drugs to protect their bones from fractures, since the therapy can strip the body of estrogen, which is a key element in building up bones. So many physicians said they see no harm in giving such patients doses of zoledronic acid to prevent bone fractures and possible slow the growth and recurrence of cancers as an added, natural benefit.

A Sign of Hope for Breast Cancer Patients

The new research findings showing that zoledronic acid may dramatically slow the spread and recurrence of some types of breast cancer are a much-needed boost to the 2.5 million American women now surviving with the disease. Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women in the United States and ranks as the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer.

In 2008, 182,460 women in the United States were diagnosed with a form of invasive breast cancer. Each year, about 40,000 women will die from the disease.

While advances in the early detection and treatment of breast cancers has improved the life expectancy of patients, drugs like zoledronic acid that may slow the spread and prevent the chances of recurrence are important tools for doctors to use in the fight against the devastating disease.

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