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Efficacy and safety of denosumab, zoledronic acid and alendronate on bone mineral density and trabecular bone score in men with osteoporosis

Zhou B, Zhang Y, Yu W, Sun L, Wang Y, Jiang Y, Wang O, Xing X et al.

Age and ageing, 2026

390 participants

Abstract

Objective: Osteoporosis in men is a common but often neglected health problem. We aim to compare the efficacy and safety of denosumab, zoledronic acid and alendronate in men with osteoporosis.

Methods: In this randomized, comparative, open-label study, 390 men with osteoporosis or osteopenia were included. They were randomized to receive the treatment of denosumab, alendronate, or zoledronic acid for 12 months. The percentage changes in bone mineral density (BMD), trabecular bone score (TBS) and bone turnover biomarkers (BTMs) during the treatment were evaluated. Safety parameters were observed.

Results: The baseline characteristics were well balanced among the three groups. After 12 months of treatment, denosumab, alendronate and zoledronic acid significantly increased BMD by 4.83 ± 0.89%, 4.32 ± 0.77%, 5.18 ± 0.73% at lumbar spine, by 2.75 ± 0.51%, 2.50 ± 0.61% and 2.83 ± 0.59% at total hip, TBS was significantly increased by 2.44 ± 0.52%, 2.00 ± 0.64%, 2.29 ± 0.55%, respectively, without significant differences among the three groups. Serum levels of BTMs decreased significantly and similarly in all three groups (all P < .05 vs. baseline). Denosumab and alendronate group had fewer adverse events than zoledronic acid group. Denosumab had similar efficacy in patients with different gonadal functions. In patients previously receiving bone resorption inhibitors, denosumab continued to increase BMD and TBS, but the increments were reduced by approximately 30% in BMD at lumbar…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 390 participants or records.

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