Analgesic efficacy of zoledronic acid and its effect on functional status of prostate cancer patients with metastasis.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

A multi-centered observational study evaluated the efficacy of zoledronic acid for improving pain and mobility, and preventing skeletal-related events (SRE) (fracture, spinal compression, pain-relieving radiotherapy), in patients with prostate cancer and bone metastasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

Males (n = 218) with prostate cancer and bone metastasis undergoing oncologic therapy received zoledronic acid (4 mg iv/month) for 6 months. Parameters evaluated were: 1) pain and movement after 2 consecutive doses; 2) quality of life; 3) SRE incidence and time-to-appearance. Medication tolerance and treatment satisfaction were assessed using a questionnaire.

RESULTS:

A total of 170 that matched all the inclusion criteria (78%) out of 218 were evaluable for efficacy. There was a measurable statistically significant reduction in pain at rest and on movement as well as an improvement in the quality of life compared with baseline. Best results were obtained with early treatment. Overall incidence of bone events was 11.2%. Of the 212 patients (97.2%) evaluable for safety, 16% suffered adverse events and 66% expressed satisfaction with the treatment

DISCUSSION:

Zoledronic acid is effective for reducing pain, improving mobility, and increasing the quality of life in patients with prostate cancer with bone metastasis. Its easy administration and good tolerability make zoledronic acid one of the principal therapeutic tools in the management of patients with pain associated with bone metastasis from prostate cancer.

• Authors: Rafael Gálvez, Victoria Ribera, José Ramón González-Escalada, Alicia Souto, María Luz Cánovas, Andrés Castro, Begoña Herrero, María de Los Angeles Maqueda, Matilde Castilforte, José Javier Marco-Martínez, Concepción Pérez, Lorenza Vicente-Fatela, Consuelo Nieto Md, Maria José Orduña, Anna Padrol, Enrique Reig, Joaquín Carballido, José Manuel Cózar
• Journal: Patient preference and adherence (Patient Prefer Adherence) Vol. 2 Pg. 215-24 (Feb 02 2008) ISSN: 1177-889X [Electronic] New Zealand
• PMID: 19920966 (Publication Type: Journal Article)