The role of bisphosphonates in medical oncology and their association with jaw bone necrosis

Ahmed Eid; Jennifer Atlas

doi:10.1016/j.coms.2014.01.009

The role of bisphosphonates in medical oncology and their association with jaw bone necrosis

Oral Maxillofac Surg Clin North Am. 2014 May;26(2):231-7. doi: 10.1016/j.coms.2014.01.009.

Authors

Ahmed Eid¹, Jennifer Atlas²

Affiliations

¹ General Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 0462, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Electronic address: aeid@mdanderson.org.
² Hematology and Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.

PMID: 24794267
DOI: 10.1016/j.coms.2014.01.009

Abstract

Bisphosphonates, synthetic analogues to inorganic pyrophosphates found in the bone matrix, inhibit bone resorption. Bisphosphonates and their related effects on the jaw have been established since 2001. The pathogenesis of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) is multifactorial and still under investigation. Currently, drugs with mechanisms of action involving remodeling suppression, osteoclast depression, and decreasing angiogenesis are under investigation for causing BRONJ-like symptoms. Further studies are needed to determine the effective length of use of biphosponates and the efficacy of drug holidays to prevent BRONJ.

Keywords: Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw; Bisphosphonates; Cancer; Jaw bone necrosis; Multiple myeloma; Oncology.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw / pathology*
Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw / prevention & control*
Bone Density Conservation Agents / adverse effects*
Bone Remodeling / drug effects
Diphosphonates / adverse effects*
Humans
Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
Medical Oncology / methods*

Substances

Bone Density Conservation Agents
Diphosphonates