Oral risk factors associated with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients with cancer

Cumulative incidence and risk factors for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw during long-term prostate cancer management

Bone-modifying agents (BMA) are extensively used in treating patients with prostate cancer with bone metastases. However, this increases the risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). The safety of long-term BMA administration in clinical practice remains unclear. We aimed to determine the cumulative incidence and risk factors of MRONJ. One hundred and seventy-nine patients with prostate cancer with bone metastases treated with BMA at our institution since 2008 were included in this study. Twenty-seven patients (15%) had MRONJ during the follow-up period (median, 19 months; interquartile range, 9-43 months). The 2-year, 5-year, and 10-year cumulative MRONJ incidence rates were 18%, 27%, and 61%, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified denosumab use as a risk factor for MRONJ, compared with zoledronic acid use (HR 4.64, 95% CI 1.93-11.1). Additionally, BMA use at longer than one-month intervals was associated with a lower risk of MRONJ (HR 0.08, 95% CI 0.01-0.64). Furthermore, six or more bone metastases (HR 3.65, 95% CI 1.13-11.7) and diabetes mellitus (HR 5.07, 95% CI 1.68-15.2) were risk factors for stage 2 or more severe MRONJ. MRONJ should be considered during long-term BMA administration in prostate cancer patients with bone metastases.

Surgical and conservative treatment outcomes of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw located at tori: a retrospective study

PURPOSE

Tori and exostoses are considered risk factors for the development of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). The aims of this study were to present the prevalence of MRONJ located at tori in the Copenhagen ONJ Cohort, evaluate the surgical treatment of MRONJ located at tori and explore trauma to tori as an additional risk factor in patients on antiresorptive medication.

METHODS

Data from a consecutive series of 506 patients with MRONJ (Copenhagen ONJ Cohort) were reviewed for the presence of tori and MRONJ located at tori. Demographic and medical data were analyzed, and healing outcomes and pain after the prophylactic removal of tori, surgical treatment of MRONJ located at tori, and conservative treatment of MRONJ located at tori were evaluated and compared using Fisher's exact test.

RESULTS

MRONJ located at tori was frequent and could be identified in 53% of the patients with tori, which accounts for a prevalence of 5.1% in the entire cohort. Of the 28 surgically treated patients, 27 (96.4%) healed uneventfully with no exposed bone after their first or second revision surgery. Fourteen (41.2%) patients with tori underwent therapeutic removal, eight (23.5%) underwent prophylactic removal, and six (17.6%) underwent both therapeutic and prophylactic removals. Two (33.3%) of the six conservatively treated patients healed spontaneously. Both treatment types resulted in a significant decrease in pain.

CONCLUSION

Prophylactic and therapeutic surgical removal of tori are reliable treatments and should be considered if a patient's general health allows surgery.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was approved by the Regional Scientific Ethical Committee (H-6-2013-010) on November 20, 2013, and was retrospectively registered.

How does the clinical and tomographic appearance of MRONJ influences its treatment prognosis?

OBJECTIVES

To identify clinical and tomographic prognostic factors for conservative and surgical treatment of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ).

METHODS

A retrospective search identified patients treated with antiresorptive drugs (ARDs), diagnosed with Stage 1, 2 or 3 MRONJ, and having CBCT scans previous to conservative or surgical treatment. Following data collection, imaging assessment of the following parameters on each MRONJ site was performed: involvement of teeth and/or implants, presence of osteosclerosis, osteolysis, sequestrum formation, periosteal reaction, and pathological fractures. For statistical analysis, patients and lesions were divided into conservative and surgical treatment. Comparisons were made between successful and unsuccessful outcomes. Significance was set at p ≤ 0.05.

RESULTS

115 ARD-treated patients who developed 143 osteonecrosis lesions were selected. 40 patients and 58 lesions received conservative treatment, of which 14 patients (35%) and 25 lesions (43%) healed. Additionally, 75 patients and 85 lesions underwent surgery, with 48 patients (64%) and 55 lesions (65%) that healed. Clinical and tomographic risk factors for conservative treatment were MRONJ staging, tooth involvement, extensive osteosclerosis, and deep sequestrum formation (p < 0.05). Complementarily, poor prognostic indicators for surgical therapy were a short bisphosphonate (BP) holiday, MRONJ staging, absence of sequestrum formation, and presence of periosteal reaction (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Lesions at Stage 3 MRONJ, with tooth involvement, or sequestrum formation showed poor outcomes when conservative treatment is chosen. Alternatively, surgical treatment is most effective when BPs are discontinued, in Stage 1 lesions, in the presence of sequestrum formation, and absence of periosteal reaction.

Bisphosphonates and osteonecrosis of the jaws: Clinical and forensic aspects

OBJECTIVE

This manuscript aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current knowledge in the pathophysiology, diagnosis, prevention, and other relevant clinical and forensic aspects of a potentially severe complication known as medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) while synthesizing state-of-the-art information on bisphosphonates and introducing a possible differential diagnosis.

DESIGN

An extensive search was conducted in PubMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine) without a time or language constraint, focusing on the epidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, site specificity, signs and symptoms, differential diagnosis, prevention, and forensic aspects of MRONJ. All types of original articles, reviews, case reports, short communications, opinion articles, guidelines, and letters to editors were considered to produce a complete review on this subject.

RESULTS

MRONJ prevention relies on a multidisciplinary approach and is critical since truly effective treatments are lacking. This therapeutic challenge is partly due to uncertainty regarding this condition's pathophysiology. Differential diagnosis of osteonecrosis of the jaws associated with krokodil abuse, one of the most dangerous and homemade psychoactive illicit substances, should be considered.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research into the etiology and site specificity of MRONJ is encouraged, aiming to develop novel treatment prospects. Indeed, comprehending this would allow for increased efficacy and therapeutic options while emphasizing the importance of prevention. In addition, we advocate for greater consensus among the various societies regarding MRONJ's treatment and management.

A real-world study on the prevalence and risk factors of medication related osteonecrosis of the jaw in cancer patients with bone metastases treated with Denosumab

AIM

Assessing the incidence of Medication Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) in cancer patients with bone metastases receiving Denosumab (Dmab) and identifying potential risk factors.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study on consecutive cancer patients with bone metastases, who received at least one dose of Dmab and one follow-up visit. MRONJ crude cumulative incidence (CCI) was estimated considering death without MRONJ as competing event. Multiple regression models were used to study the association between MRONJ incidence and potential risk factors: age, cancer diagnosis, previous bisphosphonates, dental treatments before starting Dmab, extraction or other dental treatment during Dmab, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and antiangiogenic (AA) agents concurrent use.

RESULTS

On 780 patients included (median follow-up 17 months), 54% and 18% had, respectively, breast and prostate cancer. The mean number of Dmab administration was 12. Fifty-six patients developed MRONJ with a 24- and a 48-month crude cumulative incidence of 5.7% (95% Cl: 4.2%-7.8%) and 9.8% (95% CI: 7.6%-12.7%), respectively. Higher MRONJ incidence was significantly associated with middle aged group (>56 and ≤73), both at univariate and multivariate analysis (p = 0.029 and 0.0106). Dental treatments (Hazard Ratio [HR] = 3.67; p = 0.0001), dental extractions (HR = 23.40; p < 0.0001), and previous BP administration (HR = 2.62; p = 0.0024) were significantly associated with higher MRONJ incidence at multivariate Cox analysis. Although not statistically significant, MRONJ incidence was lower for patients receiving chemotherapy or hormone therapy and higher for those receiving AAs.

CONCLUSIONS

The results confirm a clinically relevant incidence of Dmab-induced MRONJ. Dental treatments, especially extraction, during and before Dmab, constitute a serious risk factor. The role of AA concurrent administration deserves further investigations.

Measurement of Thickness at the Inferior Border of the Mandible Using Computed Tomography Images: A Retrospective Study including 300 Japanese Cases

Vascularised fibular free flaps are integral to reconstructive surgery for head and neck tumours. We investigated the morphological characteristics of the mandible to improve the incidence of plate-related complications after surgery. Using standard radiological software, thickness measurements of the inferior or posterior margin of the mandible were obtained from computed tomography images of 300 patients at seven sites: (1) mandibular symphysis, (2) midpoint between the mandibular symphysis and mental foramen, (3) mental foramen, (4) midpoint between the mental foramen and antegonial notch, (5) antegonial notch, (6) mandibular angular apex (gonion), and (7) neck lateral border of the dentate cartilage. Relationships between age, sex, height, weight, the number of remaining teeth in the mandible, and the thickness of each mandible were also investigated. Measurement point 1 had the largest median mandibular thickness (11.2 mm), and measurement point 6 had the smallest (5.4 mm). Females had thinner measurements than males at all points, with significant differences at points 1, 2, 3, 4, and 7 (p < 0.001). Age and number of remaining teeth in the mandible did not correlate with mandibular thickness; however, height and weight correlated at all points except point 6. Thickness measurements obtained at the sites provide a practical reference for mandibular reconstruction. Choosing the fixation method based on the measured thickness of the mandible at each site allows for sound plating.

Risk factors for pathological fracture in patients with mandibular osteoradionecrosis

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) often results in pathological fractures through progression. We aimed to identify the risk factors for pathological fracture in patients with mandibular ORN. Seventy-four patients with mandibular ORN were included in this retrospective study. We investigated various risk factors for pathological fracture in patients with mandibular ORN, including number of mandibular teeth with a poor prognosis each at initial evaluation before radiation therapy (RT) and when fracture occurred, and the proportion of antibiotic administration period in a follow-up duration after RT. The rate of occurrence of pathological fractures in patients with mandibular ORN was 25.7%. The median of duration between RT completion and fracture occurrence was 74.0 months. We found that pathological fracture was significantly associated with a larger number of mandibular teeth with a poor prognosis at initial evaluation before RT (P = 0.024) and when fracture occurred (P = 0.009). Especially, a larger number of mandibular teeth with P4 periodontitis, in other words severe periodontal status, was related to pathological fracture in both timings. The proportion of antibiotic administration period in a follow-up duration was also significant risk factor (P = 0.002). Multivariate analyses showed statistically significant associations between pathological fracture and a larger number of mandibular teeth with a poor prognosis when fracture occurred (hazard ratio 3.669). The patient with a larger number of mandibular teeth with P4 periodontitis may have a risk of not only occurrence of ORN but resulting in pathological fracture by accumulation of infection. Surgeons should consider extraction of those teeth regardless of before/after RT if necessary for infection control.

A systematic review assessing occurrence of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw following dental procedures

Aim: This study aimed to systematically review existing literature regarding the association between dental procedures—such as tooth extractions and periodontal therapy—and occurrence of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) in individuals using bone-modifying drugs. Methods: Search strategies were performed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library for a timeframe ending in December 2021. Study selection, data extraction and risk of bias were analyzed independently by two researchers. Three meta-analyses were performed, estimating the crude risk ratio (RR), the adjusted odds ratio (OR) and the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) for the association between tooth extraction and MRONJ. Results: Of the 1,654 studies initially retrieved, 17 were ultimately included. The majority of patients with MRONJ in these studies were female, with a mean age of 64 years. Zoledronic acid was the most commonly used drug among patients with MRONJ, and cancer was the most frequent underlying health condition. Regarding the performed meta-analyses, crude and adjusted analyses demonstrated that tooth extraction increased the risk for MRONJ by 4.28 (95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.73–10.58), the OR for MRONJ by 26.94 (95%CI: 4.17–174.17), and the HR for MRONJ by 9.96 (95%CI: 4.04–24.55). Conclusion: It was concluded that performing dental procedures, especially tooth extraction, in patients using bone-modifying drugs increased the risk of MRONJ occurrence and, therefore, should be avoided. Further studies, using adjusted data, are warranted.

Radiographic predictors for MRONJ in oncologic patients undergoing tooth extraction

Tooth extraction is a risk factor for the development of osteonecrosis of the jaw following treatment with antiresorptive drugs (ARDs), but not all extraction sites develop this pathology. Therefore, we aimed to identify local radiographic predictors of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) in panoramic images of oncologic patients undergoing tooth extraction. Based on a retrospective longitudinal cohort study design, patients were included if undergoing one or more tooth extraction, with at least one administration of ARDs, and presence of pre- and post-operative panoramic radiographs. After data collection, blinded and independent observations were performed. Eleven distinct imaging-related parameters were assessed preoperatively and five postoperatively, at each extraction site. A case-control and subgroup analysis assessing MRONJ development was performed. Significance level is set to 0.05 (5%). A total of 77 oncologic patients were selected, undergoing 218 tooth extractions, from which 63 teeth (29%) in 39 patients (51%) developed MRONJ. Results showed that patients developed significantly more MRONJ with longer ARD treatment (p = 0.057), teeth with absent and incomplete endodontic fillings with caries, widened periodontal ligament space and/or periapical lesions (p = 0.005), and sclerotic and heterogenous bone patterns (p = 0.005). In conclusion, tooth extraction sites presenting with infections and bone sclerosis are at higher risk to develop MRONJ.

Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Mandible Treated with Marginal Resection: A Case Report

The aim of this report is to present a successful combined surgical and pharmaceutical treatment in the highest stage of medicine-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). A 70-year-old man treated for metastatic prostate cancer concomitant with hypertension and diabetes presented due to the exposure of the jawbone. Initial imaging studies suggested MRONJ, and the biopsy did not confirm bone metastasis in the oral cavity. Marginal resection of the mandible was performed after the administration of antibiotics and anticoagulants. There was no recurrence of mandibular necrosis during the 3-year follow-up. MRONJ can develop covertly, with scanty clinical symptoms, and can be easily overlooked. Radical combined treatment may, in some cases, prevent further progression of the disease, which was successful in this case.

[Management of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw-a review of recent study results in comparison to established strategies]

Hintergrund

Antiresorptiva gehören weltweit zu den am häufigsten applizierten Arzneimitteln. Ihr Haupteinsatzbereich liegt in der Osteologie und Onkologie. Trotz allgemein guter Verträglichkeit treten bei Patienten unter Therapie unerwünschte Arzneimittelwirkungen (UAW) auf. Eine spezifische UAW im Bereich der Kiefer ist die sog. medikamentenassoziierte Osteonekrose („medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw“, MRONJ) der Kiefer.

Ziel der Arbeit

Diese Arbeit stellt neuesten Entwicklungen in Ätiologie, Diagnostik und Therapie der MRONJ im Vergleich zu bereits bestehenden Erkenntnissen zusammen.

Methodik

Es wurde eine systematische Literaturübersicht der Jahre 2016–2021 zu diesem Thema durchgeführt. Prospektive Therapiestudien, Diagnostikstudien mit Vergleichsgruppe und innovative Studien zur Pathogenese der MRONJ wurden eingeschlossen und nach den MINORS-Kriterien („methodological index for non-randomized studies“) bewertet.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Die MRONJ tritt bei ca. 2–12 % der Patienten, die aus onkologischer Indikation mit Antiresorptiva behandelt werden, auf (osteologische Indikation ca. 0,1–1 %). Die Therapie der MRONJ sollte frühzeitig und operativ erfolgen. Die Heilungsrate ist bei einem operativen Therapieansatz mit über 85 % sehr gut.

Medication Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: 2021 Position Statement of the Korean Society for Bone and Mineral Research and the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons

Antiresorptives are the most widely prescribed drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis. They are also used in malignant bone metastases, multiple myeloma, and Paget's disease, and provide therapeutic efficacy on those diseases. However, it was reported that the occurrence of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) could be related to antiresorptive exposures, and there have been many cases regarding this issue. Therefore, a clearer definition and treatment guidelines were needed for this disease. The American Society for Bone and Mineral Research and the Amnerican Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons reported statements on bisphosphonate-related ONJ (BRONJ), and a revised version was recently presented. In the revised edition, the diagnosis BRONJ was changed to medication-related ONJ (MRONJ), which reflects consideration of the fact that ONJ also occurs for denosumab, a bone resorption inhibitor of the receptor activator of the nuclear factor-κB ligand antibody family, and bevacizumab, an anti-angiogenesis inhibitor. The Korean Society for Bone and Mineral Research and the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons had collectively formed a task force for the preparation of an official statement on MRONJ based on a previous position paper in 2015. The task force reviewed current knowledge and coordinated dental and medical opinions to propose the guideline customized for the local Korean situation.

Cancer Patients at Risk for Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw. A Case and Control Study Analyzing Predictors of MRONJ Onset

The goal of this investigation was to identify potential risk factors to predict the onset of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Through the identification of the multiple variables positively associated to MRONJ, we aim to write a paradigm for integrated MRONJ risk assessment built on the combined analysis of systemic and local risk factors. The characteristics of a cohort of cancer patients treated with zoledronic acid and/or denosumab were investigated; beyond the set of proven risk factors a new potential one, the intake of new molecules for cancer therapy, was addressed. Registered data were included in univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis in order to individuate significant independent predictors of MRONJ; a propensity score-matching method was performed adjusting by age and sex. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed a significant effect of the parameters number of doses of zoledronic acid and/or denosumab (OR = 1.03; 95% CI = 1.01–1.05; p = 0.008) and chemotherapy (OR = 0.35; 95% CI = 0.17–0.71; p = 0.008). The multiple logistic regression model showed that breast, multiple myeloma, and prostate cancer involved a significantly higher risk compared to lung cancer; a significant effect of the combined variables number of doses of zoledronic acid and/or denosumab (OR = 1.03; 95% CI = 1.01–1.06); p-value = 0.03) and exposure to novel molecule treatment (OR = 34.74; 95% CI = 1.39–868.11; p-value = 0.03) was observed. The results suggest that a risk assessment paradigm is needed for personalized prevention strategies in the light of patient-centered care.

Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw—A Continuing Issue

Introduction: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a condition that is becoming more common in the everyday practice of both dental and maxillofacial surgeons. Materials and methods: This paper aims to provide a comprehensive and easy to read by clinicians presentation of comprehensive, accessible, and up-to-date data on MRONJ. The individual chapters focus on the etiology, epidemiology, diagnosis, prevention, treatment, and recurrence of MRONJ. Results and discussion: It has been observed over the years that among drugs that increase the risk of the disease, apart from bisphosphonates, angiogenesis inhibitors and anti-RANKL monoclonal antibodies should also be included. A thorough physical and subjective examination, periodic correction of dental prostheses, and an adequate preparation for even the simplest of procedures in the oral cavity area can prevent or minimize the risk of MRONJ. Conclusions: It is extremely difficult to treat once it occurs and oftentimes is a recurring problem that leads to a multitude of symptoms that gradually decrease the quality of a patient’s life.

Bevacizumab-associated implant presence-triggered osteonecrosis: A case report and literature review

The effect of bevacizumab-related osteonecrosis of the jaw on previously osseointegrated dental implants has not been adequately studied. Here, we report a case of osteonecrosis of the jaw detected around dental implants placed prior to bevacizumab therapy. A 66-year-old woman undergoing bevacizumab therapy for metastatic triple-negative breast cancer, developed malocclusion following buccal gingival swelling and pain in the #18, #19, and #20 tooth region. The patient visited a local dental clinic, where existing implants in relation to #19 and #20 were removed. Subsequently, the patient visited our department, and intraoral examination revealed necrotic bone in the region corresponding to #19 and #20. Radiographic examination showed a pathological fracture in this region that was considered to result from osteonecrosis of the jaw. Bevacizumab therapy was suspended temporarily till the acute inflammation had subsided. In addition, treatment with antibacterial agents and conservative surgery was considered. Complete soft tissue coverage was observed 14 days following surgery. In recent years, the number of patients receiving bevacizumab treatment has increased. Since bevacizumab-related osteonecrosis of the jaw could occur around previously osseointegrated dental implants as well, this case report suggests an effective treatment regimen based on a combination of antibacterial agents and conservative surgery.