There may be no bisphosphonates, ONJ link

NEW YORK, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- A U.S. study of more than 7,000 patients found the use of bisphosphonates to treat osteoporosis has little effect on osteonecrosis of the jaw, or ONJ.

Bisphosphonates, such as Fosamax, are a class of drugs that help prevent bone fractures in patients with osteoporosis. They also prevent bone metastases and related skeletal problems in patients with cancer, including multiple myeloma, metastatic breast and prostate cancers.

John T. Grbic of Columbia University's College of Dental Medicine said that in 2003, the first reports emerged of the new disease ONJ found in patients who were using bisphosphonates. ONJ is characterized by bone necrosis -- accidental death of cells and living tissue -- and prolonged exposure of the jaw bone to the oral cavity. It frequently occurs in older people who have had an oral surgical procedure or trauma to the jaw bones.

Grbic says that while the current study conflicts with earlier reports that linked bisphosphonates with ONJ, when the disease presents itself in any patient is poses a significant treatment challenge for clinicians.

The findings were presented at the American Academy for the Advancement of Science news conference.