Is normalization of bone markers associated with improved survival in patients with bone metastases from solid tumors and elevated bone resorption receiving zoledronic acid?
Zoledronic acid normalizes or maintains normal NTX levels in most patients with bone metastases. Normalized NTX within 3 months of treatment, versus persistently elevated NTX, was associated with reduced risks of skeletal complications and death.
Detailed immunohistochemical assessment confirms a relationship between EMT and tumor budding at the tumor-host interface. A small group of patients with favorable prognosis can be identified by combined assessment of lymph node ratio and EMT in tumor buds.