Zometa (Novartis) shows clear benefits for premenopausal ER-Positive Breast Cancer patients

A new study of Zometa (zoledronic acid), from Novartis, for Breast Cancer reveals that Zometa and endocrine treatment reduce death risk by 36%, but also that the risk of recurrence drops 28% for patients with early-stage, premenopausal ER-positive Breast Cancer. Data from the ABCSG-12 trial, reported at the 2011 CTRC-AACR San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium, confirmed and extended data reported at 48 months and 62 months of follow-up. Now at 84 months of follow-up, patients are experiencing drastically fewer recurrences of breast cancer and improved rates of survivorship without toxic side effects. No patients have experienced osteonecrosis of the jaw or renal failure. The research was led by Michael Gnant, professor of surgery and president of the ABCSG at the Medical University of Vienna. Novartis filed for this indication at the FDA and EU and withdrew the applications pending discussions with the authorities.