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Updated: Jul 6, 2026
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Expansion of Human Peripheral Blood γδ T Cells using Zoledronate
Published on: September 9, 2011
Zoledronic acid is effective against experimental malignant pleural effusion
Georgios T Stathopoulos1, Charalampos Moschos, Heleni Loutrari
1Department of Critical Care and Pulmonary Services, Marianthi Simou and George P. Livanos Laboratory, General Hospital Evangelismos, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece. gstathop@med.uoa.gr
Summary
Zoledronic acid (ZA) effectively reduced tumor progression and fluid buildup in a mouse model of malignant pleural effusion (MPE). This study suggests ZA as a potential treatment for MPE, warranting clinical trials.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Aminobiphosphonates, like zoledronic acid (ZA), show indirect antitumor effects and are investigated for solid tumors.
- Their anti-angiogenic properties are relevant to malignant pleural effusion (MPE), but efficacy in malignant pleural disease is unstudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that zoledronic acid (ZA) halts tumor progression in a mouse model of adenocarcinoma-induced malignant pleural effusion (MPE).
Main Methods:
- Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) was induced in mice by intrapleural injection of Lewis lung carcinoma cells.
- Mice received zoledronic acid (ZA) treatment using both prevention and regression protocols.
Main Results:
- Zoledronic acid (ZA) significantly reduced pleural fluid, tumor spread, and prolonged survival.
- ZA enhanced tumor cell apoptosis, reduced neovascularization and vascular permeability, and inhibited inflammatory cell recruitment.
- ZA decreased matrix metalloproteinase-9, proinflammatory/angiogenic mediators, and Ras/RhoA GTPase activity in pleural tumors.
Conclusions:
- Zoledronic acid (ZA) demonstrates efficacy in experimental malignant pleural effusion (MPE).
- These findings support the consideration of ZA for clinical trials in patients with malignant pleural disease.
