Background: The current study aimed to examine the impact of zoledronic acid therapy on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Taiwanese patients with bone metastases from breast cancer.
Patients and methods: Patients with bone metastases from breast cancer who received zoledronic acid according to the standards of care were enrolled in this observational phase IV study. HRQoL was measured monthly using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Core Questionnaire 30 (QLQ-C30) and the breast cancer-specific module (BR-23) for 24 months.
Results: A total of 366 patients from 13 centers were enrolled. QLQ C-30 demonstrated that zoledronic acid improved the HRQoL in different aspects. In particular, a significant reduction of pain in the first 14 months and the 22-month follow-up was reported by patients. QLQ-BR23 indicated improved future perspective and breast symptom scores over the course of the study.
Conclusion: These data confirm the HRQoL benefits and safety of zoledronic acid in Taiwanese patients with bone metastases from breast cancer.
Keywords: Zoledronic acid; bone metastases; breast cancer; quality of life.