Could a common bone drug help fight a rare cancer?

NCT ID NCT03173976

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Mohammed Milhem Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 1b trial is testing whether giving zoledronic acid, a drug usually used for bone thinning, before surgery can help people with chondrosarcoma, a rare bone cancer. Seventeen adults with any grade of the disease that can be surgically removed will receive the drug and then have their tumors assessed for changes. The main goals are to check safety and see if the drug affects tumor cells and bone damage.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Zoledronic acid (a bone-strengthening drug)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a new way to shrink or control chondrosarcoma tumors before surgery, potentially improving outcomes.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small phase 1 trial with only 17 people, so results may not apply broadly. The drug may cause side effects like kidney issues or jaw problems, and it's not yet known if it truly helps patients.

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.

chondrosarcoma dedifferentiated chondrosarcoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

CHONDROSARCOMA

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States

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