Zoledronic Acid (ZA)

Zoledronic acid is a bisphosphonate given intravenously. Zoledronic acid slows down bone resorption, allowing the bone-forming cells time to rebuild normal bone and allowing bone remodeling. Zometa is used to prevent skeletal fractures in patients with cancers such as multiple myeloma and prostate cancer, as well as for treating osteoporosis. It can also be used to treat hypercalcemia of malignancy and can be helpful for treating pain from bone metastases.

It can be administered at home rather than in hospital. Such administration has shown safety and quality-of-life benefits in breast cancer patients with bone metastases. Zoledronate is rapidly processed via the kidneys; consequently its administration is not recommended for patients with reduced renal function or kidney disease.