Oral versus intravenous ibandronic acid: a comparison of treatment options for metastatic bone disease

Purpose This trial is the first to compare directly the clinical response to and safety of oral and intravenous (IV) ibandronic acid for metastatic bone disease. Methods Patients ≥18 years with breast, prostate, lung, urogenital or colon cancer received IV ibandronic acid 6 mg infused over 15 min every 28 days or oral ibandronic acid 50 mg/day. Clinical response was determined using bone scintigraphy, radiography and serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (S-CTX) at months 3–6. Adverse events and biochemical safety measures were recorded. Results A total of 84.6 and 88.5% of patients had a complete/partial response to IV and oral ibandronic acid, respectively. Median percentage decreases in S-CTX were −39 and −35%, respectively. Bone pain scores decreased and analgesic use increased from month 0–3 and were stable from months 3–6. Both formulations improved physical and functioning scores. Conclusion Oral and IV ibandronic acid for bone metastases have similar efficacy and tolerability.