Related pages Drug Information Summaries 1 Approval Process for New Cancer Treatments 2 Access to Investigational Drugs 3

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

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

Zoledronic acid is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following conditions:

• Hypercalcemia (high blood levels of calcium) caused by malignant tumors.
• Paget disease of the bone.
• Osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.

Zoledronic acid is also approved to be used together with other drugs to treat multiple myeloma and cancers that have spread to the bone.

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

Definition from the NCI Drug Dictionary ⁴ - Detailed scientific definition and other names for this drug.

Clinical Trial Results: Zoledronic Acid Improves Early Breast Cancer Treatment (06/19/2008) 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 (01/09/2007) ⁶ - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

Clinical Trial Results: Zoledronic Acid Reduces Bone Complications of Advanced Prostate Cancer (06/21/2002) ⁷ - Important clinical trial results for this drug, background information, and how the trial was done.

MedlinePlus Information on Zoledronic Acid ⁸ - 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 NLM 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.

Clinical Trials for Zoledronic Acid ⁹ - Check for trials from NCI's PDQ Cancer Clinical Trials Registry now accepting patients.

Glossary Terms

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.

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.

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.

An agency in the U.S. federal government whose mission is to protect public health by making sure that food, cosmetics, and nutritional supplements are safe to use and truthfully labeled. The Food and Drug Administration also makes sure that drugs, medical devices, and equipment are safe and effective, and that blood for transfusions and transplant tissue are safe. Also called FDA.

Higher than normal levels of calcium in the blood. Some types of cancer increase the risk of hypercalcemia.

Cancerous. Malignant tumors can invade and destroy nearby tissue and spread to other parts of the body.

A type of cancer that begins in plasma cells (white blood cells that produce antibodies). Also called Kahler disease, myelomatosis, and plasma cell myeloma.

A condition that is marked by a decrease in bone mass and density, causing bones to become fragile.

A chronic condition in which both the breakdown and regrowth of bone are increased. Paget disease of bone occurs most frequently in the pelvic and leg bones, skull, and lower spine. It is most common in older individuals, and may lead to bone pain, deformities, and fractures. Also called osteitis deformans.

Having to do with the time after menopause. Menopause (“change of life”) is the time in a woman's life when menstrual periods stop permanently.

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.