Zometa infusions to help prevent bone loss from cancer treatments

Even if ovaries are removed, the body still makes some estrogen in adrenal glands and fat. Tamoxifen blocks estrogen receptors, so is used for women who still have estrogen produced in ovaries. Aromatase inhibitors block estrogen produced in the adrenals, and are only used for women post-menopause. While removing ovaries reduces risk 50% according to one study I read, women who have ovaries removed are then able to take aromatase inhibitors, further reducing risk substantially.

Zometa and Reclast are both zoledronic acid, a biphosphonate, and both affect bone resorption. They have different dosing schedules: Zometa is given more frequently. My doc only mentioned Reclast during my primary cancer treatment with Femara, in the context of osteoporosis. Zometa seems to be the medication used for treatment of cancer that occurs in or has spread to the bones, and prevents damage to bones and fractures, from the cancer.

Although Clinical Trials Arena says that Zometa has "anticancer properties" it seems it does not actually stop a tumor, but instead treats the effects of lesions on bone. This is something I plan to ask my oncologist about, because I thought that by suppressing resorption, Zometa affected tumor growth. I cannot find any research that says this. Instead, studies are on Zometa preventing bone damage from cancer- but not treating the cancer itself.

That said, I distinctly remember reading- 5 years ago or more- that a combo of Femara (AI) and zoledronic acid eliminated the last cells of a breast cancer in a study. I will try to find that article. And ask my doc!

I was given Prolia. The oncologist said that Prolia and Reclast strength bones with AIs, they also help with metastasis. He chose Prolia because it’s a quick shot vs an infusion. It has improved my bones. I will get a bone density scan in May at 5 years out and then have to take something to lock in the benefits. That’s what I am researching now.

@lcr2017 how long have you taken Prolia? You are 5 years out from your cancer or Prolia? Best of luck. Please update from your researching. I’ve had 2 Zometa infusions. Do every 6 months. Had Mastectomy 2 1/2 years ago and am on Anastrazole.

My cancer is 5 years. It was bilateral early stage, so double mastectomy 5 years ago in May. Started anastozole that June. Waited 6 months to start Prolia to segregate side effects. After that, every six months and hopefully got the last shot in December. In the 6 months without the Prolia, I went full blown osteoporosis. My numbers are good now. Will have a bone density in May. Based on that, I think I will have a discussion about Boniva injections. I had never heard of Zometa. I also take a lot of vitamin D, no calcium. I just have to have a little dairy each day. It’s nutty but I really would prefer to maintain on something that will continue to build bone with the possibility that it would prevent metastasis to bones in the event of a recurrence. I am sure they will discuss the data, but I like the way my endocrinologist thinks and she will weigh in on my bones. Best to you too!

@lcr2027. My oncologist told me Zometa was like Boniva on steroids. I’ve had 2 infusions without any side effects. Not even bruising if my arm. The actual infusion time is 30 minutes. My next bone density in later this year. Are you saying Ptolia improved your bone strength and bone density numbers?

You are correct that the issue is not necessarily with the meds but with the resulting estrogen depletion. I never gave much thought to what estrogen does for the body until contemplating not having any! I am taking all the suggestions for maintaining my bones including trying to cut out sugar, which us way harder than quitting smoking for example. I'd never heard about the vibrating gadgets so am curious about them. Thanks to everyone sharing what they've found...

I've been told to take calcium, vitamin D3 and vitamin K2 together. I took some to a friend hospitalized with a shattered neck (which healed perfectly after nearly 2 years in a halo) and his neurosurgeon read the label and noted that the vitamin K2 was very important in helping the bone shards fill in gaps and rejoin each other. My cardiologist takes the same formula as studies suggest that K2 helps protect the circulatory system from calcium build-up. I'm not a doctor so just passing on what they told me. Here's a side thought. My friends neck healing ground to a halt until they added ultrasound to his treatment, then sped up considerably. The neurosurgeon explained that the ultrasound nearly always did this. I ponder if the vibratory therapy for osteoporosis is analogous? They're both frequency patterns using energy to affect bones in the body and I'm a fan of energy medicine now. Anyone with more insight about if, how and why vibratory treatment helps bones?

I haven't seen that either. I wonder if the person has it confused with Evista, which is a newer SERM-style drug? Or maybe Zometa as treatment for bone cancer?

Thanks, mdr3. Any good news on the osteoporosis front is welcome. I have a friend on Zometa who now deeply regrets not going on a bisphosphinate as her oncologist recommended 7 years ago when she was treated for breast cancer. I'm proactive and learning all that I can for dealing with my saga here, in part, because she wasn't and didn't, alas.