title: The role of bisphosphonates in medical oncology and their association with jaw bone necrosis.
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.
authors.affiliation: General Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Unit 0462, Houston, TX 77030, USA. Electronic address: aeid@mdanderson.org.
authors.forename: Ahmed
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Eid
authors.affiliation: Hematology and Oncology, Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Atlas
mesh_terms: D059266:Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw / Q000473:pathology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016723:Bone Remodeling / Q000187:drug effects; D004164:Diphosphonates / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008495:Medical Oncology / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D050071:Bone Density Conservation Agents; D004164:Diphosphonates
keywords: Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw; Bisphosphonates; Cancer; Jaw bone necrosis; Multiple myeloma; Oncology