Use of zoledronic acid in patients with prostate cancer bone metastases: control of pain and musculoskeletal complications

Background. Patients suffering from prostatic carcinoma are at high risk of having bone complications because of the metastatic progression of the disease to the skeleton and the consequences of androgenic deprivation. Zoledronic acid is a potent inhibitor of the bone resorption mediated by the osteoclasts, and is the only bisphosphonate whose capacity of reducing significantly the skeleton morbidity in patients with bone metastases is statistically proved. Methods. To attest tolerability and efficacy of zoledronic acid in preventing unfavorable skeletal events and in reducing osteomuscular pain, 25 patients - aged 75 years, suffering from hormone-responsive prostatic carcinoma under hormonal therapy with bone metastases, have been followed and subjected to IV monthly infusion of 4 mg zoledronic acid for 12 consecutive months, associated to daily intake of calcium and multivitamin supplementations. Results. At the end of the study, a sensible improvement in their clinical conditions and in their perception of the pain has been recorded in 23 patients and valued through a set of questions (Brief Pain Inventory). Conclusions. Zoledronic acid is therefore confirmed to be an effective medicine in preventing the skeleton complications and in controlling the painful symptoms in patients suffering from prostatic carcinoma with bone metastases.