Growth inhibition and synergistic induction of apoptosis by zoledronate and dexamethasone in human myeloma cell lines

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are commonly used in the treatment of myeloma-associa ted osteolytic lesions. Recent reports have suggested that BPs may also exe rt direct antitumor effects on myeloma cells. Here, we show that the treatm ent of myeloma cell lines with the combination of the potent BP zoledronate and dexamethasone inhibits cell growth and synergistically induces apoptot ic cell death, providing a rationale for potential applications in vivo.