The latter result, however, is not consistent with the clinical data that pamidronate reduced skeletal complications in patients with multiple myeloma and breast cancer [ 31- 33].
Monthly IV infusions of zoledronic acid have been shown to reduce skeletal complications among patients with multiple myeloma and are now a mainstay of myeloma therapy (Rosen et al 2001; Yeh and Berenson 2006).
Bisphosphonates are useful in decreasing skeletal complications from breast and prostate carcinoma and multiple myeloma [7].
Additionally, based on the results of large randomised controlled trials, conducted in the late 1990s, the bisphosphonates have become the standard of care for the treatment and prevention of skeletal complications associated with bone metastases in patients with breast cancer and multiple myeloma (Coleman, 2004).
Data on patient identity, age, sex, primary tumor, location of metastases, type of metastases (single skeletal, multiple skeletal, or generalized), surgical procedures (method of fixation and type of implant), and postoperative complications are registered.
In particular, they are administered to alleviate skeletal complications resulting from osteoclast-mediated tumour bone disease associated with breast and prostate cancers, and multiple myeloma.
Multiple myeloma (MM), a hematologic malignancy of terminally differentiated plasma cells, is closely associated with induction of osteolytic bone disease and skeletal complications in >80% of patients.
Coleman, R. E. Skeletal complications of malignancy.
Woodward, E. et al. Skeletal complications and survival in renal cancer patients with bone metastases.
