One pill before radiation: a new shield for bones?

NCT ID NCT03861091

First seen Aug 03, 2026 · Last updated Aug 04, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This trial tests whether a single dose of risedronate, a bone-strengthening drug, given before stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for peripheral lung tumors can prevent the rapid bone loss that radiation can cause in nearby ribs. Adults with lung tumors within 2 cm of the chest wall will receive either risedronate or a placebo before their radiation planning scan. The study measures changes in bone thickness over a year to see if the drug protects bone health.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
risedronate (a bone-strengthening drug)
What this could lead to
If it works, a single dose of risedronate before radiation therapy could protect nearby bones from weakening, reducing fracture risk and improving quality of life for lung cancer patients.
What could go wrong
This is a small, early-stage trial, and the benefit may not be significant. Risedronate can cause side effects like stomach upset or jaw problems, though rare.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • High Point Regional Medical Center

    High Point, North Carolina, 27262, United States

  • Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center

    Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, United States

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