The effect of zoledronic acid on the prevention of bone loss in lymphoma patients receiving first-line therapy.

Abstract

9103 Background: The majority of lymphoma patients receiving first-line chemotherapy have osteopenia, and risk of further bone loss increases with alkylating agent or corticosteroid treatment. Zoledronic acid, a potent bisphosphonate, has not been evaluated in lymphoma patients. Urine NTx and bone specific alkaline phosphatase (BSAP) are surrogate markers of bone turnover, and we have previously reported their value in early prediction of bone density outcomes. We conducted a randomized phase III trial to determine if zoledronic acid reduces the risk of bone mineral density (BMD) loss in this patient population. Methods: All patients with newly diagnosed lymphoma were evaluated from 2005 to 2009. Exclusion criteria included baseline osteoporosis, recent steroid or bisphosphonate use, or serious concurrent illness. Patients received randomized therapy of either: 1) oral calcium and vitamin D (Ca + D), or 2) Ca + D and 4 mg zoledronic acid intravenously at baseline and at 6 months. Results: To date, 42 pati...