Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 6, 2026

Expansion of Human Peripheral Blood γδ T Cells using Zoledronate
Published on: September 9, 2011
Prolonged Use of Zoledronic Acid (4 Years) Did Not Improve Outcome in Multiple Myeloma Patients
Agustin Avilès1, Maria-Jesùs Nambo2, Judith Huerta-Guzmàn2
1Oncology Research Unit, Oncology Hospítal, National Medical Center, IMSS, México, Federal District, Mexico.
Background:
Bisphosphonates, especially zoledronic acid (ZA), show antitumor effects in multiple myeloma (MM) and other neoplasms. The standard time for ZA administration has been 2 years. However, with improvement in overall survival (OS) in MM with new agents, it unclear whether ZA could be administered for a prolonged time to improve OS.
Patients And Methods:
A total of 170 patients with untreated, symptomatic MM were randomly divided into a group to receive ZA for 4 years, with a control group to receive ZA for 2 years. All patients were treated with the same induction therapy and stem-cell transplantation.
Results:
Actuarial curves at 5 years, showed that progression-free survival was 75% (95% confidence interval [CI], 64%-82%) and OS was 68% (95% CI, 60%-76%) in the 4-year group, which was not statistically significantly different compared with the control group: 72% (95% CI, 62%-78%) and 68% (95% CI, 60%-75%; P = .67). However, the 4-year group showed reduced skeletal events (21% occurrence rate); this was statistically significant compared with the control group: 43% (P < .001).
Conclusion:
Although ZA did not improve OS in patients with MM; it continued to be useful to reduce skeletal events, and thus improve better quality of life for patients.
Related Concept Videos
Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Intermittent IV Infusions
Acid Suppressive Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Proton Pump Inhibitors
Gastric acid, a potent cocktail of hydrogen and chloride ions, is produced in specialized parietal cells within the...
Acid Suppressive Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Antacids
However, this neutralization reaction between...
Drug Accumulation During Multiple Dosing: Repetitive IV Injections
Acid Suppressive Drugs for Peptic Ulcer Disease: Histamine H2-Receptor Antagonists
Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current...

