Comparing a Single-Dose vs. Twice Yearly Zoledronate in Patients With Early Stage Breast Cancer (REaCT-ZOL)

Breast cancer patients are at an increased risk of recurrence in bone and bone density loss (osteopenia/osteoporosis) and consequently fragility fractures due to: age, systemic therapy with aromatase inhibitors, and premature induction of menopause by chemotherapy or ovarian ablation. Bone is the most common site of breast cancer recurrence. The use of bone modifying agents, such as Zoledronate may reduce the risk of bone metastases and fragility fractures. Despite the widespread use of adjuvant Zoledronate, it is not known what the optimal number of infusions is to reduce the risk of bone metastases and the risk of fragility fractures. Indeed, the recent CCO and ASCO Practice Guideline, 'Bottom line recommendations' specifically states, "More research is recommended comparing different bone-modifying agents, doses, dosing intervals, and durations." In the metastatic setting, for nearly 2 decades biphosphonates (i.e. Zoledronate) have been given to patients every 3-4 weeks. This dosing interval was selected based on convenience of co-administration with standard anti-cancer agents and not on the long biological effect of these agents on osteoclasts, the cells responsible for excess bone breakdown. Furthermore, in the bone density preservation setting, despite the usual administration of Zoledronate once a year a single dose of Zoledronate was associated with a sustained increase in bone mineral density 5 years later. A recent systematic review in the adjuvant setting, showed that BTA at any particular dose or route of administration showed superiority over the other. In other words, the lowest dose appears to be just as good as the highest dose. This study will compare the single dose of Zoledronate to Zoledronate given every 6 months for 3 years. The primary outcome for this study will be feasibility of conducting this trial. The secondary outcome will assess bone-metastasis risk, fragility rates, quality of life, and cost-effectiveness.

In this study it is hypothesized that a single dose of Zoledronate will be non-inferior to every 6 months in terms of bone-metastasis free survival, time to first bone metastasis and fragility fractures. It is also hypothesized that a single dose of Zoledronate will have less toxicities associated with Zoledronate compared to every 6 months.

Inclusion criteria

• Commencing zoledronate within 3 months of starting neoadjuvant or adjuvant endocrine therapy or within 3 months of completion of neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy for early stage breast cancer
• Patients receiving any intravenous or oral biphosphonates, or subcutaneous denosumab for the treatment of osteoporosis must discontinue treatment prior to baseline evaluation
• ECOG performance status equal or less than 2 and life expectancy of more than 12 months
• Serum creatinine greater than 30 ml/min and corrected serum calcium equal or greater than 2 mmol/l within 4 weeks before first zoledronate infusion
• Age equal or greater than 18 years
• Able to provide written consent

Exclusion criteria

• Metastatic disease
• History of osteonecrosis of the jaw
• Known hypersensitivity to trial drug or hypersensitivity to any other component of the trial drug (e.g. fructose)
• Any psychological, familial, sociological or geographical condition potentially hampering compliance with the trial protocol
• Pregnancy or risk of pregnancy (this includes participants that are not willing to practice active contraception for the duration of the study)* *Women/men of child bearing potential must have agreed to use two effective contraceptive methods while on study. A women is considered to be of 'childbearing potential' if she has had menses at any time in the preceding 12 consecutive months. In addition to routine contraceptive methods. 'effective contraception' also includes heterosexual celibacy and surgery intended to prevent pregnancy (or with a side-effect of pregnancy prevention) defined as complete hysterectomy, bilateral oophorectomy or bilateral tubal ligation, or vasectomy/vasectomized partner. However, if at any point a previously celibate participant chooses to become heterosexually active during the period for use of contraceptive measures outlined in the protocol, she is responsible for beginning contraceptive measures. Examples of effective methods of contraception: Male condom plus spermicide; Cap plus spermicide; Diaphragm plus spermicide; intrauterine device (Copper T, Progesterone T; Levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system (i.e. Mirena); hormonal methods (implants, hormonal shot or injection, combined pill, minipill, patch).