Growth inhibition and synergistic induction of apoptosis by zoledronate and dexamethasone in human myeloma cell lines.

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are commonly used in the treatment of myeloma-associated osteolytic lesions. Recent reports have suggested that BPs may also exert direct antitumor effects on myeloma cells. Here, we show that the treatment of myeloma cell lines with the combination of the potent BP zoledronate and dexamethasone inhibits cell growth and synergistically induces apoptotic cell death, providing a rationale for potential applications in vivo.