Reply to the article “Oral ibandronate is as active as intravenous zoledronic acid for reducing bone turnover markers in women with breast cancer and bone metastases” by J.-J. Body et al. (Ann Oncol 2007; 18: 1165–1171)

Abstract

We read with great interest the paper by Body et al. [1] about the effects of oral ibondronate and i.v. zoledronic acid on bone turnover markers. The study population included patients receiving aromatase inhibitors, tamoxifen and cytotoxic therapy. Levels of serum cross-linked C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (S-CTX, urinary CTX (U-CTX), serum bone alkaline phosphatase, serum amino-terminal procollagen propeptide of type I collagen (PINP) and serum osteocalcin (OC) were measured. Both biphosphonates significantly reduced bone turnover markers.