New research reveals higher rates of jaw bone deterioration in cancer patients receiving bone-strengthening medications. This condition, called osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), affects nearly 9% of metastatic breast cancer patients taking these drugs.
Key findings from the 20-year Austrian study:
- ONJ risk increases with longer treatment duration
- Denosumab users have 5 times higher ONJ risk than bisphosphonate users
- Combined use of both drugs showed the highest ONJ rate (16%)
The study’s long-term data provides valuable insights into ONJ development over time. As cancer patients live longer with improved treatments, they may face increased ONJ risk due to extended use of bone-modifying drugs.
Preventive measures for patients on these medications include:
- Regular dental check-ups
- Maintaining good oral hygiene
- Quitting smoking
- Completing necessary dental work before starting treatment
Oncologists and dentists should collaborate to assess individual patient risks and benefits of bone-modifying therapies.
Recent studies suggest less frequent dosing of these medications may be equally effective and potentially reduce ONJ risk, though further research is needed.
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Reference
Adapted from National Cancer Institute Jaw Problems Linked to Bone-Modifying Drugs Not as Rare as Once Thought. https://www.cancer.gov/news-events/cancer-currents-blog/2024/breast-cancer-jaw-osteonecrosis-antiresorptive
