AuthorisedTherapeutic confirmatory (Phase III)Interventional

Zoledronic acid as prophylaxis against glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in lymphoma

People receiving treatment for lymphoma often take high doses of steroid medicines as part of their chemotherapy. While these medicines are vital for treating cancer, they can rapidly weaken bones, leading to a condition called osteoporosis that makes bones more fragile and prone to breaking. This Phase 3 clinical trial is investigating whether a medicine called zoledronic acid can protect bones during cancer care. Zoledronic acid is already used to treat weak bones. Researchers want to see if giving it preventatively stops broken bones, particularly in the spine and hips, over a two-year period. Participants will have their bone density tracked using painless DXA scans at the start of the study and after two years. The results will help doctors understand if this medicine should become standard care to keep bones strong during lymphoma therapy.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Therapeutic confirmatory (Phase III)

Sponsor

Region Nordjylland

Enrolment target

132

Start

07 Sep 2026

What is this study about?

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer. Treatment often involves chemotherapy combined with powerful steroid drugs known as glucocorticoids. While these steroids are very effective at fighting cancer cells, they carry a common side effect: they cause bones to lose minerals quickly. This steroid-induced bone thinning can lead to osteoporosis, significantly raising the chance of painful fractures in the spine, hips, and other bones.

Zoledronic acid is a well-known bone-protecting drug that belongs to a group of medicines called bisphosphonates. It works by slowing down the natural process of bone breakdown, helping bones stay dense and strong. Doctors in this study want to see if giving zoledronic acid at the start of cancer treatment can act as a shield to stop bone loss before fractures happen.

Over the course of two years, researchers will monitor participants to see how many people suffer any broken bones. They will also use specialised low-dose X-ray scans (called DXA scans) to measure bone thickness in the lower spine and hip. The findings could change how cancer doctors protect their patients' long-term bone health across the UK and beyond.

Key takeaways

Tests whether zoledronic acid prevents bone thinning caused by steroid chemotherapy.
Aimed at adults aged 18 and over who are being treated for lymphoma.
Involves an intravenous drip and painless DXA bone scans at the start and after two years.
Lasts for two years and runs alongside your regular cancer clinic appointments.
Participation is voluntary and does not replace your routine cancer care.

Who may be eligible?

This trial is open to adults aged 18 and over who have been diagnosed with lymphoma and are due to start chemotherapy that contains steroid medicines.

Both men and women can join. Because the study measures bone health over time, participants should be able to commit to follow-up visits and scans over a two-year period alongside their cancer appointments.

Certain people may not be able to take part—for example, those with severe kidney problems, very low calcium levels, or those already taking specific bone medications. Your doctor will review your medical history and routine blood tests to confirm if you are eligible.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am aged 18 or over.
I have been diagnosed with lymphoma.
I am about to start chemotherapy that includes steroid medicines.
I am able to attend hospital check-ups and scans over a two-year period.
I do not have severe kidney problems or uncontrolled low calcium levels.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part, your participation will last for two years. At the start, you will receive zoledronic acid, which is given as a slow drip into a vein (an intravenous infusion) that usually takes about 15 to 30 minutes. You will also have a painless bone density scan called a DXA scan to check your starting bone health. Over the two-year period, study visits will generally line up with your standard lymphoma hospital appointments. At the end of the two years, you will have a repeat DXA scan and imaging of your spine to check for any bone thinning or fractures.

Potential risks and benefits

The possible benefit of joining is that zoledronic acid may strengthen your bones and protect you from painful fractures caused by steroid treatment. However, all medicines carry potential risks. The most common side effects of zoledronic acid are short-term, flu-like symptoms such as mild fever, headache, and aching muscles or joints for a couple of days after the drip. Less commonly, it can affect kidney function or calcium levels, and rarely it can cause jaw healing problems. You will be closely monitored with blood tests. Taking part is entirely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time without it affecting your cancer treatment or NHS care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Denmark

Common questions

What is zoledronic acid?

It is an established medicine that slows down bone loss, helping to keep bones dense, strong, and less likely to break.

How is the medicine given?

It is given as a drip into a vein (an intravenous infusion), usually taking around 15 minutes.

What is a DXA scan?

A DXA scan is a quick, painless, low-dose X-ray that measures the strength and thickness of your bones, typically at your hip and spine.

Will taking part interfere with my cancer treatment?

No. The study is designed to run alongside your planned chemotherapy, and your cancer team will coordinate your appointments.

What happens if I change my mind?

You can leave the study at any point without giving a reason. Your standard medical care and relationship with your doctors will not be affected.