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Cancer Drug Information

  • Posted: 02/16/2007
  • Updated: 11/07/2011

Zoledronic Acid

listen 1  (ZOH-leh-DRAH-nik A-sid)

This page contains brief information about zoledronic acid and a collection of links to more information about the use of this drug, research results, and ongoing clinical trials.

US Brand Name(s): Zometa
FDA Approved: Yes

Use in Cancer

Zoledronic acid is approved to be used alone or with other drugs to treat:

Zoledronic acid is being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.

More About Zoledronic Acid

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary 2 - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.

MedlinePlus Information on Zoledronic Acid 3 - A lay language summary of important information about this drug that may include the following:

  • warnings about this drug,
  • what this drug is used for and how it is used,
  • what you should tell your doctor before using this drug,
  • what you should know about this drug before using it,
  • other drugs that may interact with this drug, and
  • possible side effects.

Drugs are often studied to find out if they can help treat or prevent conditions other than the ones they are approved for. This patient information sheet applies only to approved uses of the drug. However, much of the information may also apply to unapproved uses that are being studied.

Research Results

Clinical Trial Results: Zoledronic Acid Did Not Improve Disease-Free Survival in Breast Cancer 4 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Zoledronic Acid Improves Early Breast Cancer Treatment 5 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Zoledronic Acid Prevents Bone Loss During Estrogen-Suppression Treatment of Breast Cancer 6 - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Breast Cancer Study Tests Effects of Zoledronic Acid 7 - Information about the use of this drug to treat cancer.

Clinical Trials Accepting Patients

Find Clinical Trials for Zoledronic Acid 8 - Check for trials from NCI's list of cancer clinical trials now accepting patients.

Important: The drug information on this page is meant to be educational. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information may not cover all possible uses, actions, interactions, or side effects of this drug, or precautions to be taken while using it. Please see your health care professional for more information about your specific medical condition and the use of this drug.


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Glossary Terms

calcium (KAL-see-um)
A mineral needed for healthy teeth, bones, and other body tissues. It is the most common mineral in the body. A deposit of calcium in body tissues, such as breast tissue, may be a sign of disease.
cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
drug (drug)
Any substance, other than food, that is used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve symptoms of a disease or abnormal condition. Also refers to a substance that alters mood or body function, or that can be habit-forming or addictive, especially a narcotic.
hypercalcemia (HY-per-kal-SEE-mee-uh)
Higher than normal levels of calcium in the blood. Some types of cancer increase the risk of hypercalcemia.
malignant (muh-LIG-nunt)
Cancerous. Malignant cells can invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.
multiple myeloma (MUL-tih-pul MY-eh-LOH-muh)
A type of cancer that begins in plasma cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies). Also called Kahler disease, myelomatosis, and plasma cell myeloma.
tumor (TOO-mer)
An abnormal mass of tissue that results when cells divide more than they should or do not die when they should. Tumors may be benign (not cancer), or malignant (cancer). Also called neoplasm.

Table of Links

1http://www.cancer.gov/PublishedContent/Media/CDR/Media/718045.mp3
2http://www.cancer.gov/Templates/drugdictionary.aspx?CdrID=42507
3http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a605023.html
4http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/summary/2010/zoledronic-acid-breas
t1210
5http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/zoledronic-acid0608
6http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/results/zoledronic-acid0107
7http://www.cancer.gov/ncicancerbulletin/040610/page3#d
8http://www.cancer.gov/Search/ClinicalTrialsLink.aspx?id=42507&idtype=1
9http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/alphalist
10http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/druginfo/drug-page-index
11http://www.cancer.gov/clinicaltrials/learningabout/approval-process-for-cancer-
drugs
12http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/investigational-drug-access