The bisphosphonate, zoledronic acid, induces apoptosis of breast cancer cells: evidence for synergy with paclitaxel
2001
Zoledronic Acid and Breast Cancer Cells
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Jagdev S P, Coleman R E, Shipman C M, Rostami-H A, Croucher P I
Primary Institution: University of Sheffield Medical School
Hypothesis
Does zoledronic acid induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells and enhance the effects of paclitaxel?
Conclusion
Zoledronic acid has a direct anti-tumour effect on breast cancer cells and works synergistically with paclitaxel to increase apoptosis.
Supporting Evidence
- Zoledronic acid caused a dose- and time-dependent decrease in cell number.
- Zoledronic acid increased tumour cell apoptosis significantly.
- Short-term exposure to zoledronic acid was sufficient to reduce cell number and increase apoptosis.
- The combination of zoledronic acid and paclitaxel resulted in a 4–5-fold increase in tumour cell apoptosis.
- Isobologram analysis showed synergistic effects on tumour cell number and apoptosis.
Takeaway
Zoledronic acid can help kill breast cancer cells, especially when used with another drug called paclitaxel.
Methodology
Breast cancer cell lines were treated with zoledronic acid and paclitaxel, and effects on cell number and apoptosis were assessed.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001, p<0.005, p<0.02
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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