Study Examines Risk for ONJ in Cancer Patients Who Take Bone-Modifying Agents

An investigation by researchers at the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center in Ann Arbor examined the association between osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in cancer patients and the use of bone-modifying agents to reduce the risk for skeletal events associated with bone metastases from cancer treatment.

One study was a prospective observational analysis of nearly 3,500 cancer patients who had metastatic bone disease and were treated with bone-modifying agents, including zoledronic acid. Findings show that after three years, the cumulative incidence of ONJ in all cancer patients was 2.8%. The risk was highest for patients who wore dentures, who had undergone dental surgery, and current smokers.

The full studies are available at: clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00874211 And clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00127205