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Zoledronic acid in the treatment of bone metastases by hepatocellular carcinoma: a case series

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Abstract

Purpose

The survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has improved with advancements in various diagnostic tools and treatment modalities. Consequently, bone metastases from HCC are diagnosed more frequently. The aims of the present study was to describe the clinical features and treatment of HCC patients presenting with bone metastases. In particular, we evaluated the role of zoledronic acid in these patients especially with regard to pain reduction, analgesic drug consumption and safety.

Methods

Between December 2006 and July 2008, we recruited 17 (male:female, 12:5, median age, 68 years; age range, 62–85 years) consecutive patients. Spinal metastases were present in 11 patients (64.7%). Zoledronic acid was administered in all patients (total number of administrations, 107; mean number of administrations, 6.29).

Results

A total of 15 patients received at least three administrations of zoledronic acid and reported clinical benefit with pain reduction and tapering of analgesic drugs. Before starting treatment, the mean VAS for patients who received at least three administrations (15/17 patients) of zoledronic acid was 7.1 (±0.24), and after 3 months 5.3 (±0.20). This improvement was independent of the sex, the extent of metastasis and the concomitant anticancer treatment. No significant side effects were registered in this series of patients. Median survival was 10 months (CI 6,353–13,647).

Conclusions

Zoledronic acid may be helpful in treating bone metastases in HCC patients. Patients regularly receiving zoledronic acid showed significant pain relief.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Medical Oncology Unit, “San Giovanni di Dio” Hospital, via Domenico Pirozzi, Frattamaggiore, Naples, Italy

    Liliana Montella, Raffaele Addeo, Gregorio Cennamo, Rosario Guarrasi, Vincenzo Faiola & Salvatore Del Prete

  2. Department of Molecular and Clinical Endocrinology and Oncology, University “Federico II”, Naples, Italy

    Giovannella Palmieri & Davide Leopardo

  3. Casa di Cura “Villa Maria”, Mirabella Eclano, Avellino, Italy

    Giovannella Palmieri & Davide Leopardo

  4. Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy

    Michele Caraglia

  5. Medical Oncology, Campus Biomedico, Rome, Italy

    Bruno Vincenzi

  6. Radiology and Diagnostic Imaging Unit, “San Giovanni di Dio” Hospital, Frattamaggiore, Naples, Italy

    Rosanna Mamone

  7. Surgery Unit, “Mauro Scarlato” Hospital, SL SA1, Scafati, Italy

    Nicola Frega

  8. Senology Unit, Distretto 65 ASL Napoli3, Arzano, Naples, Italy

    Elena Capasso

  9. Medical Oncology “San Gennaro” Hospital, Naples, Italy

    Luigi Maiorino

  10. Medical Oncology Unit, “S.Maria della Pietà” Hospital, Nola, Italy

    Carmine Pizza

  11. Medical Oncology “Cotugno” Hospital, Naples, Italy

    Vincenzo Montesarchio

Authors
  1. Liliana Montella
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  2. Raffaele Addeo
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  3. Giovannella Palmieri
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  4. Michele Caraglia
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  6. Bruno Vincenzi
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  7. Rosario Guarrasi
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  8. Rosanna Mamone
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  9. Vincenzo Faiola
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  10. Nicola Frega
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  11. Elena Capasso
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  12. Luigi Maiorino
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  13. Davide Leopardo
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  14. Carmine Pizza
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  15. Vincenzo Montesarchio
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  16. Salvatore Del Prete
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Liliana Montella or Raffaele Addeo.

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Montella, L., Addeo, R., Palmieri, G. et al. Zoledronic acid in the treatment of bone metastases by hepatocellular carcinoma: a case series. Cancer Chemother Pharmacol 65, 1137–1143 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00280-009-1122-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00280-009-1122-6

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