In the AZURE trial , an open-label , international , multicentre , randomised , controlled , parallel-group phase @ trial , women ( age @ years ) with stage II or III breast cancer were randomly assigned ( @:@ ) by a central automated @-h computer-generated telephone minimisation system ( balanced for number of involved axillary lymph nodes , tumour stage , oestrogen receptor status , type and timing of systemic therapy , menopausal status , statin use , and treatment centre ) to receive standard adjuvant systemic treatment alone ( control group ) or with @ mg intravenous zoledronic acid every @-@ weeks for six doses , then every @ months for eight doses , followed by every @ months for five doses , for a total of @ years of treatment .