The Frequency of Medication-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw and its Associated Risk Factors

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Thomas B Dodson1

  • 1Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, University of Washington School of Dentistry, 1959 Northeast Pacific Street, Health Sciences Building B-241, Box 357134, Seattle, WA 98195-7134, USA.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Clinics of North America
|September 13, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a rare complication. Patients with cancer face a tenfold higher risk of MRONJ compared to osteoporosis patients using antiresorptive drugs.

Area of Science:

  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Pharmacology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a serious adverse effect of certain medications.
  • It is associated with antiresorptive and antiangiogenic agents used in cancer treatment and osteoporosis management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To provide the most current frequency estimate of MRONJ.
  • To identify risk factors for developing osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in patients exposed to relevant medications.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of current literature.
  • Analysis of frequency estimates and associated risk factors for MRONJ.

Main Results:

  • Antiresorptive medications (bisphosphonates, denosumab) are primary risk factors for ONJ.
  • The risk of MRONJ is approximately 10 times higher in cancer patients compared to those treated for osteoporosis.

Conclusions:

  • MRONJ is a significant concern in patients receiving antiresorptive or antiangiogenic therapies.
  • Cancer patients represent a high-risk group for MRONJ development.
Keywords:
Antiangiogenic agentsAntiresorptive medicationsFrequencyMedication-related osteonecrosis of the jawsOral bisphosphonatesRisk factorsZolendronate

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