Could a common bone drug help fight a rare cancer?

NCT ID NCT03173976

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics

    Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States