Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: A literature review

Antiresorptive agents such as bisphosphonates and denosumab, as well as angiogenesis inhibitors, may induce medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). However, the exact mechanisms of MRONJ are unclear and definitive treatment strategies have not yet been developed. Moreover, the aging population requiring antiresorptive agents and angiogenesis inhibitors has been increasing worldwide. Therefore, the aim of this literature review was to introduce the latest information on MRONJ. The epidemiology, triggering factors, risk factors, drug holiday, pathoetiology and treatment strategies for each drug-induced ONJ were investigated by conducting a PubMed search.

The prevalence and incidence of ONJ were very low. Some mechanisms of ONJ have been identified, although they were not definitive. Novel treatment strategies have been proposed in basic and clinical research. Several factors, including age and the administration duration of bisphosphonates, are risks for the development of bisphosphonate-related ONJ (BRONJ). Dental implant therapy and peri-implantitis could become risk factors of BRONJ, regardless of the onset timing of bisphosphonates. No reliable information about ONJ induced by denosumab and angiogenesis inhibitors was found.

Caution should be taken when dental treatment including implant therapy is performed in patients receiving bisphosphonates, denosumab, and angiogenesis inhibitors. There is limited scientific evidence regarding the relationship between MRONJ and older age. Further ONJ-related research on the aging population is required to manage the treatment of such diseases in older people in the future.