Managing neoplastic bone disease with ibandronic acid: a preclinical and clinical data update

Background: Bisphosphonates are the standard of care for treating and preventing the complications of bone metastases. Ibandronic acid is available in effective and well-tolerated oral (50 mg daily) and intravenous (6 mg via ≥ 15 min infusion every 3-4 weeks) formulations. Objectives: This paper reviews the latest preclinical and clinical data supporting the use of ibandronic acid for the prevention and treatment of the skeletal complications of neoplastic bone disease, focusing on metastatic breast cancer. The aim was to update a review of ibandronic acid published in 2004 by the current author. Conclusions: Ibandronate remains the only bisphosphonate with approved oral and intravenous formulations; ibandronate should be considered when designing a bisphosphonate-containing regimen for patients with bone metastases from breast cancer.