Yes, there is a drug, called zoledronic acid (Zometa), which can be used to treat prostate cancer that has spread to the bones (metastatic prostate cancer). Its main use is to treat pain and reduce the risk of problems such as fractures or high levels of calcium in the blood (hypercalcaemia).

It is one of a group of drugs, known as bisphosphonates, that have effects on the bones. They are mostly used to treat a bone thinning disease called osteoporosis. But, they are also given for some types of cancer that has spread to the bone (secondary bone cancer).

The British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS) guidelines on managing metastatic prostate cancer say bisphosphonates are part of the standard treatment for preventing problems caused by secondary bone cancer. There aren't guidelines to say when treatment with bisphosphonates should begin. But, they are most commonly given when hormonal treatment is no longer working.

Although bisphosphonates can help with symptoms, they don't seem to have any effect on controlling the cancer or on how long men live for. Side effects of zoledronic acid can include tiredness, flu-like symptoms, feeling sick, anaemia and rarely, a problem with the jawbone called osteonecrosis of the jaw.