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Published in: Clinical Oral Investigations 2/2014

01-03-2014 | Original Article

Prevalence of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw after intravenous zoledronate infusions in patients with early breast cancer

Authors: Petra Rugani, Gero Luschin, Norbert Jakse, Barbara Kirnbauer, Uwe Lang, Stephan Acham

Published in: Clinical Oral Investigations | Issue 2/2014

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Abstract

Objectives

The definite incidence rate of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BRONJ) is still unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate prevalence of BRONJ in a group of breast cancer patients applying the classification of the Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons 2009.

Patients and methods

Between 2000 and 2008, 63 premenopausal early breast cancer patients who were free of metastases were treated with 4 mg zoledronic acid every 6 months over 3 years as participants of a multicenter, randomized, controlled, adjuvant breast cancer medication trial. Patients were not informed about the risk of jaw necrosis. None reported tooth or jaw complaints during the breast cancer follow-up examinations. In 2010, 48 patients of this cohort were investigated concerning BRONJ by clinical and radiological examinations.

Results

No advanced stages (AAOMS 2009)were detected. However, five patients (10.4 %) presented purulent (2) and nonpurulent (3) fistulas and radiological signs correlating to BRONJ stage 0.

Conclusion

Although no case of advanced BRONJ was detected, the study revealed a high prevalence of BRONJ stage 0. This supports the need for tight cooperation between dentists and medical specialists prescribing bisphosphonates including dental pre-therapeutic and follow-up examinations. Adaption of the BRONJ classification taking account to bone exposure via fistulas is recommended.

Clinical relevance

BRONJ is said to be a complication linked to high-dosage bisphosphonate therapy. The study demonstrates that even after application of zoledronate in a low-dose protocol, early BRONJ occurred. Radiological signs solely are not sufficient to confirm BRONJ; clinical signs are mandatory.
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Metadata
Title
Prevalence of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw after intravenous zoledronate infusions in patients with early breast cancer
Authors
Petra Rugani
Gero Luschin
Norbert Jakse
Barbara Kirnbauer
Uwe Lang
Stephan Acham
Publication date
01-03-2014
Publisher
Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in
Clinical Oral Investigations / Issue 2/2014
Print ISSN: 1432-6981
Electronic ISSN: 1436-3771
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00784-013-1012-5

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