Reid IR, Horne AM, Mihov B, et al. - Researchers conducted this prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial to analyze the impact of zoledronate on cancer, cardiac events, and mortality in older women with osteopenia. Participants in the study were randomized to receive four infusions of either zoledronate 5 mg or normal saline at 18-month intervals. In all, there were 1,017 serious adverse events among 443 candidates in the placebo group and 820 events in 400 candidates in zoledronate treatment group. These events included fractures leading to admission to the hospital. In 39 women in the placebo group and in 24 women in the zoledronate treatment group, myocardial infarction occurred. Total cancers with zoledronate were significantly decreased, which was significant for both breast and non-breast cancers. Data reported that the HR for death was 0.65, and 0.51 in those without incident fragility fracture. The investigators found that these beneficial effects warrant more adequately powered zoledronate trials as primary endpoints with these nonskeletal conditions.