Ibandronic acid: a review of its use in the treatment of bone metastases of breast cancer.

Ibandronic acid (Bondronat) is a potent, new-generation, nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, available in both intravenous and oral formulations, which effectively inhibits osteoclast-mediated bone resorption. In clinical trials, the two formulations were equally effective in preventing skeletal-related events and improving quality of life in patients with bone metastases of breast cancer. Both intravenous and oral ibandronic acid reduced metastatic bone pain scores below baseline levels for up to 2 years. Oral ibandronic acid is administered as a single 50 mg tablet taken once daily. It suppressed bone resorption in breast cancer patients with bone metastases to an extent similar to that observed with intravenous zoledronic acid. Both intravenous and oral ibandronic acid were well tolerated with no evidence of renal toxicity. Ibandronic acid is therefore a valuable addition to the bisphosphonates used in the treatment of bone metastases of breast cancer, offering high potency and the convenience of oral administration, combined with the absence of renal toxicity.