Skip to content

Zometa standard for lowering recurrence risk?

Page last modified on: August 19, 2008
Question from KWood: Do you think it likely that at some point infusions of Zometa will be considered standard practice for reducing the risk of recurrence with ER-positive early-stage breast cancer? Does it make sense for patients to request it "off-label" now?
Answer —Generosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.P.: Zometa (chemical name: zoledronic acid) is a very interesting drug, currently FDA approved for treatment of metastatic breast and prostate cancer to bone as well as for refractory osteoporosis. Recent data presented both at the San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium and ASCO suggest that it may indeed play a role in prevention of early breast cancer recurrence. It is too early to adopt this as a standard therapy for early breast cancer. There are several studies, two of them completed and one of them ongoing, that will shed more light on this issue. But at this point, I don't believe it is standard of care, nor should physicians be prescribing this outside of its indications until that data becomes available.

On Wednesday, June 18, 2008 our Ask-the-Expert Online Conference was called Updates from the 2008 ASCO Annual Meeting. Generosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.P. and Carol Kaplan, M.D. answered your questions about the latest research advances on screening, treatment, side effects, and more.

The materials presented in these conferences do not necessarily reflect the views of breastcancer.org. A qualified healthcare professional should be consulted before using any therapeutic product or regimen discussed. All readers should verify all information and data before employing any therapies described here.

A production of LiveWorld, Inc.
Copyright 2008. All rights reserved.

Together we can make a difference

Email Updates

Stay informed about current research, online events, and more.

Please leave this field empty

Meet the Experts

Generosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.PGenerosa Grana, M.D., F.A.C.P. is the director of the Cooper Cancer Institute and heads the division of hematology/medical oncology at Cooper University Hospital.

Carol Kaplan, M.D. is an assistant professor of clinical medicine in the Rena Rowan Breast Center at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Her work revolves around the clinical care of breast cancer patients, as well as teaching medical students and house staff.

Back to top

Breastcancer.org 7 East Lancaster Avenue, 3rd Floor Ardmore, PA 19003

Learn more about our commitment to your privacy

© 2010 Breastcancer.org - All rights reserved.

Breastcancer.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing information and community to those touched by this disease. Learn more about our commitment to providing complete, accurate, and private breast cancer information.