ASBMR Task Force Releases Report On Effects Of Bone Drugs On Dental Health

The American Society for Bone and
Mineral Research (ASBMR) announced today the publication of a report that
examines the link between a class of widely prescribed drugs used to
strengthen bones and the disorder known as Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (ONJ).
The report, authored by an international, multidisciplinary task force, was
convened by the ASBMR to look at the possible association between ONJ, a
deterioration of the jawbone, and a class of drugs known as
bisphosphonates, which in recent years have been linked to the condition.
According to the American Dental Association, some 23 million Americans
take oral bisphosphonates for osteoporosis.



ONJ was first reported among cancer patients receiving high doses of
bisphosphonate drugs as part of their treatment. The disorder typically
appears as an area of exposed bone in the lower and upper jaw often
developing after tooth extraction, mouth injury and dental surgery. Some
cases occurred as a result of no known injury. "Although osteonecrosis of
the jaw (ONJ) is rare in people taking low dose oral bisphosphonates for
osteoporosis, we need more research to identify the risk factors and
determine if changing the dosing schedules of bisphosphonates could reduce
the incidence of ONJ," stated Elizabeth Shane, M.D., co-chair of the task
force and Immediate Past President of the ASBMR. "This new research agenda
will help fill the considerable gaps in knowledge regarding this disorder
and the recommendations will provide guidance for health care professionals
in their care of patients currently on bisphosphonate therapy."



The ASBMR task force formed in July 2006 was an international,
multidisciplinary group of experts in the field including representatives
from the United States National Institutes of Health and the Canadian
Institutes of Health Research. Both published and unpublished data on the
occurrence of ONJ were examined, a case definition was determined and a
future research agenda was recommended. The report reinforces that patients
receiving higher doses of bisphosphonates appear to be at an increased risk
for ONJ. However, the risk in patients taking oral bisphosphonate therapy
is low.



The ASBMR is the premier professional, scientific and medical society
established to promote excellence in bone and mineral research and to
facilitate the translation of that research into clinical practice. The
ASBMR has a membership of nearly 4,000 physicians, basic research
scientists, and clinical investigators. To learn more about the Society and
the field of bone and mineral research, visit the ASBMR website at
asbmr.


The American Society for Bone and Mineral Research

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