A case of early detection of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw

Mass spectrometry analysis reveals aberrant N-glycans in colorectal cancer tissues

Aberrant glycosylation is strongly correlated with the development of various cancers. Tumor-associated carbohydrate antigens, including N-glycans, are predominantly expressed on the tumor cell surface. Because the incidence of colorectal cancer is high in China, we investigated aberrant N-glycans from colorectal cancer tissues (CRC) in Chinese patients. By Linear ion trap quadrupole-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, we performed glycomic assays on N-glycans obtained from solid CRC tissues and paired peritumoral tissues. In total, aberrant N-glycans were expressed in the colorectal tumor tissues. Specifically, seven bisecting structures (M/Z 9732+, 10602+, 10752+, 11622+, 11772+, 12642+, 13522+) decreased, M/Z 10552+ (two-antennae complex N-glycan) and M/Z 12792+ (three-antennae complex N-glycan) decreased, M/Z 10132+ and M/Z 11162+ (high-mannose N-glycan) increased, and M/Z 12282+ (bifucosylated N-glycan) increased. To evaluate the MS profile data, several statistical tools were applied, including student's t test, orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve. The measurement of the degree of bisecting N-glycans had an area under the curve value of 0.823. Interestingly, we observed that the bisecting N-glycans decreased with the tumor stages. This phenomenon was not found in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, in which the bisecting N-glycans had no change. Thus, the expression of bisecting N-glycans may be an interesting point in the study of colorectal cancer.

Use of bone scintigraphy in the early diagnosis of bisphosphonate related osteonecrosis of the jaw. Case report and review of the literature

The main aim of the present report is to show the potential utility of bone scintigraphy for the diagnosis of jaw osteonecrosis. We report the history of a 62-year-old woman underwent breast cancer surgery in 2010. Moreover, patient received postoperative radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Intravenous bisphosphonates were also added to the treatment strategy to reduce the risk of bone metastasis. However, a hypermetabolic focus on left hemimandible was evidenced with a bone scintigraphy during follow up. After a careful study, the diagnosis of Bisphosphonate Related Ostneonecrosis of the Jaw (BRONJ) was carried out. This case highlights that bone scintigraphy may be extremely helpful for the early detection of BRONJ in high risk patient. Key words:Bone scintigraphy, mandibular osteonecrosis, bisphosphonates.