Does Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Influence the Quality of Life of Cancer Patients?

Bone scintigraphy and positron emission tomography in the early diagnosis of MRONJ

Objectives

The aim of this study is to evaluate the bone scintigraphy (BS) and positron emission tomography (PET) in the early diagnosis of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) and their possible use in the identification of patients at risk for MRONJ.

Material and methods

Thirty-one patients treated with ONJ-related drugs and who had undergone BS or PET for the evaluation of bone lesions were included in the study. The jaws of each patient were divided into four areas. For each area, the presence of pathological tracer uptake was evaluated and related to the eventual MRONJ development. Sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of both techniques were determined. The latency from the finding of pathological tracer uptake in BS or PET to the clinical diagnosis of MRONJ and the odds ratio were also calculated.

Results

Sensitivity and specificity of BS for MRONJ prediction were, respectively, 83.3 and 87.5%. Positive and negative predictive values were, respectively, 73.2 and 92.8%. The odds ratio was 35. Sensitivity of PET was 33.3%, specificity was 94.9%, and positive and negative predictive values were 70.0 and 80.0%, respectively. The odds ratio was 9.333. All values were statistically significant.

Conclusions

BS and PET may be accurate techniques for an early prediction of MRONJ.

Diagnostic value of 99mTc-MDP single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography in medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: A single-center retrospective study of 39 patients

OBJECTIVE

The focus of this study was to assess the diagnostic effectiveness of 99mTc-MDP single-photon emission computed tomography/computed tomography (SPECT/CT) in pinpointing medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).

METHODS

We gathered a total of 39 patients who were suspected of having MRONJ and displayed radionuclide concentration in the jaws on whole-body bone scans. These patients were subjected to simultaneous SPECT/CT fusion imaging of the jaws during delayed imaging. A consistent team of nuclear medicine physicians and oral and maxillofacial surgeons carried out diagnostic evaluations using SPECT/CT image analysis and dental specialist examinations, and the diagnoses were documented.

RESULTS

Based on the SPECT/CT image analysis and dental specialist examination outcomes, we calculated the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 99mTc-MDP SPECT/CT in diagnosing suspected MRONJ. Further, we enumerated the number and proportion of patients at each stage.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that 99mTc-MDP SPECT/CT demonstrates high diagnostic precision in patients suspected of MRONJ who display radionuclide concentration in the jaw on whole-body bone scans. Moreover, it proves beneficial in identifying the early stages of MRONJ.

Chinese expert consensus on the diagnosis and clinical management of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a side effect that occurs after treatment for systemic diseases. However, most institutions currently rely on empirical methods to make diagnosis and treatment plans, and there is a lack of consensus or guidelines for the classification, staging and treatment of MRONJ in China. To address this gap and improve prognosis, an expert panel representing 11 renowned domestic medical colleges and affiliated hospitals in China was convened. The panel made a comprehensive literature review of previous treatment experiences and research findings to address issues of definitions, etiology and risk factors, diagnosis, treatment and prevention methods. The panel concluded that the diagnosis of MRONJ can be made on the basis of a history of related medications and typical clinical manifestations, with either typical radiographic manifestations or histopathological manifestations, after excluding jaw metastasis. Surgical treatment should be considered for symptomatic patients with sequestrum or bone abnormalities accompanied by recurrent infections, and He's classification was considered a practical clinical MRONJ staging system. Multidisciplinary comprehensive treatment should be proposed to achieve optimal treatment outcomes.

Education and Communication on the Topic of Osteonecrosis of the Jaw When Taking Bone-Stabilizing Drugs

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to analyze the communication between doctors and patients who were taking bone-stabilizing medication and in rare cases developed osteonecrosis of the jaw as a result.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A standardized questionnaire recorded deficits based on patient experiences. These data were used to develop solution strategies for improving doctor-patient communication and the benefit-risk assessment of medication use.

RESULTS

Most patients were satisfied with the information provided by their doctor; however, one in three (29.8%) were not informed about possible side effects, and a quarter (24.6%) only found out about osteonecrosis of the jaw through their own research. Only half (45.7%) were asked about risk factors, and most information materials were rated poorly. The diagnosis took an average of 18.7 months, with many (47.8%) consulting a doctor only when they experienced pain. Quality of life was severely impaired, with daily pain, physical limitations, and negative effects on mental health. About a third (35.3%) reported that their quality of life had deteriorated significantly.

CONCLUSIONS

Further research into patient education is necessary. Web-based information brochures, improved follow-up care, and close cooperation with dentists are required. The use of a running sheet, such as the AGSMO running sheet, for individual risk assessment of osteonecrosis of the jaw is recommended. Patients undergoing treatment with bone-stabilizing medication should be monitored closely. Education about osteonecrosis of the jaw must be continued, and the medical profession must be confronted with it.

Local E-rhBMP-2/β-TCP Application Rescues Osteocyte Dendritic Integrity and Reduces Microstructural Damage in Alveolar Bone Post-Extraction in MRONJ-like Mouse Model

The pathology of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ), often associated with antiresorptive therapy, is still not fully understood. Osteocyte networks are known to play a critical role in maintaining bone homeostasis and repair, but the exact condition of these networks in MRONJ is unknown. On the other hand, the local application of E-coli-derived Recombinant Human Bone Morphogenetic Protein 2/β-Tricalcium phosphate (E-rhBMP-2/β-TCP) has been shown to promote bone regeneration and mitigate osteonecrosis in MRONJ-like mouse models, indicating its potential therapeutic application for the treatment of MRONJ. However, the detailed effect of BMP-2 treatment on restoring bone integrity, including its osteocyte network, in an MRONJ condition remains unclear. Therefore, in the present study, by applying a scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis and a 3D osteocyte network reconstruction workflow on the alveolar bone surrounding the tooth extraction socket of an MRONJ-like mouse model, we examined the effectiveness of BMP-2/β-TCP therapy on the alleviation of MRONJ-related bone necrosis with a particular focus on the osteocyte network and alveolar bone microstructure (microcrack accumulation). The 3D osteocyte dendritic analysis showed a significant decrease in osteocyte dendritic parameters along with a delay in bone remodeling in the MRONJ group compared to the healthy counterpart. The SEM analysis also revealed a notable increase in the number of microcracks in the alveolar bone surface in the MRONJ group compared to the healthy group. In contrast, all of those parameters were restored in the E-rhBMP-2/β-TCP-treated group to levels that were almost similar to those in the healthy group. In summary, our study reveals that MRONJ induces osteocyte network degradation and microcrack accumulation, while application of E-rhBMP-2/β-TCP can restore a compromised osteocyte network and abrogate microcrack accumulation in MRONJ.

Peri-implantitis increases the risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws associated with osseointegrated implants in rats treated with zoledronate

This study evaluated the peri-implant tissues under normal conditions and under the influence of experimental peri-implantitis (EPI) in osseointegrated implants installed in the maxillae of rats treated with oncologic dosage of zoledronate. Twenty-eight senescent female rats underwent the extraction of the upper incisor and placement of a titanium dental implant (DI). After eight weeks was installated a transmucosal healing screw on DI. After nine weeks, the following groups were formed: VEH, ZOL, VEH-EPI and ZOL-EPI. From the 9th until the 19th, VEH and VEH-EPI groups received vehicle and ZOL and ZOL-EPI groups received zoledronate. At the 14th week, a cotton ligature was installed around the DI in VEH-EPI and ZOL-EPI groups to induce the EPI. At the 19th week, euthanasia was performed, and the maxillae were processed so that at the implanted sites were analyzed: histological aspects and the percentage of total bone tissue (PTBT) and non-vital bone tissue (PNVBT), along with TNFα, IL-1β, VEGF, OCN and TRAP immunolabeling. ZOL group presented mild persistent peri-implant inflammation, higher PNVBT and TNFα and IL-1β immunolabeling, but lower for VEGF, OCN and TRAP in comparison with VEH group. ZOL-EPI group exhibited exuberant peri-implant inflammation, higher PNVBT and TNFα and IL-1β immunolabeling when compared with ZOL and VEH-EPI groups. Zoledronate disrupted peri-implant environment, causing mild persistent inflammation and increasing the quantity of non-vital bone tissue. Besides, associated with the EPI there were an exacerbated inflammation and even greater increase in the quantity of non-vital bone around the DI, which makes this condition a risk factor for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws.

Medical and Dental Professions' Varying Levels of Awareness Regarding Medication-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Saudi Arabia? A Cross-sectional Study

AIMS

This study aimed to assess the awareness of the risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) among general dental practitioners (GDPs) and primary care physicians (PCPs), focusing on the clinical implications and coordination of treating or identifying high-risk patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two Google Forms electronic questionnaires were distributed to 724 GDPs and 617 PCPs in primary care settings. One for PCPs with eight multiple choice questions and the other for GDPs with 10 multiple choice questions. A clinical case scenario and a section on open-ended comments were included in both questionnaires. The data obtained from each group were statistically analyzed and compared.

RESULTS

A total of 239 GDPs and 220 PCPs participated in the study, with a response rate of 34.23%. The mean age of participants was 29.5 years and 54.35% were females (51.2% and 57.5% in the GDPs and PCPs group, respectively). Most participants had graduated from Saudi Arabia. Almost all dentists were aware of osteonecrosis of the jaw (95.1%), 68.3% of them were aware of the guidelines regarding bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) and MRONJ, 60.5% rated their general knowledge about MRONJ as very poor to poor, and 91.8% did not know any guidelines regarding BRONJ or MRONJ. Among the participants, 75.3% did not know how MRONJ was present in the oral cavity. A total of 69.9% of participants were unaware of other factors associated with an increased risk of MRONJ.

CONCLUSION

MRONJ risk awareness varies greatly between dentists who diagnose and manage patients in dental clinics and physicians who write about medicines and therapies. Counseling sessions and greater coordination between dental and medical specialists are strongly suggested while prescribing antiresorptive drugs to prevent the consequent development of MRONJ.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

This study shows a significant lack of knowledge regarding MRONJ among GDPs and PCPs, which may affect the prevention and treatment of patients. Therefore, we urge GDPS and PCPs to take more information from scientific sources on this topic and more cooperation from specialties for the benefit of patients. How to cite this article: Aljohani MH, Aljohani AS, Aljohani RM, et al. Medical and Dental Professions' Varying Levels of Awareness Regarding Medication-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Saudi Arabia? A Cross-sectional Study. J Contemp Dent Pract 2024;25(1):62-67.

Oral Health-Related Quality of Life and Mental Health Impairment in Patients Affected by Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaws: A Case-Control Pilot Study

In the present case-control study, the impact of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) on patients' oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL), overall quality of life (QoL), and psychological status was evaluated using a set of questionnaires. These questionnaires included the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), the Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36), and the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS). A total of 25 MRONJ patients and 25 controls were included in the study. The results showed that MRONJ patients had a significantly poorer OHRQoL (OHIP-14 score p-value: 0.003) and lower general QoL, particularly in the domains of "physical functioning", "physical role", "body pain", "general health", and "vitality" in the SF-36 questionnaire (p-values: 0.001, 0.001, 0.013, 0.001, and 0.020). Although there were no significant differences between the groups in the SF-36 domains of "social functioning", "emotional role", and "mental health", the mean sub-scores of the HADS, specifically the depression and anxiety scores (HADS-D and HADS-A), were significantly higher in MRONJ patients (p-values: 0.002 and 0.009). However, the "mental health" domain of the SF-36 questionnaire showed a correlation with both HADS-A and HADS-D scores (p-values: 0.003 and 0.031). Therefore, a comprehensive clinical examination of MRONJ patients should include the assessment of OHRQoL, overall QoL, and psychological profile using different questionnaires. This approach aims to gather detailed information about patients' physical and psychological well-being, enabling the development of tailored treatments.

Comparing the Influence of Surgical and Conservative Therapy on Quality of Life in Patients with Early-Stage Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw-A Prospective Longitudinal Study

Background and Objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of surgical and conservative, non-surgical treatment on general health-related (QoL) and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients suffering from AAOMS stage I MRONJ. Materials and Methods: In the course of this prospective clinical study, QoL and OHRQoL using QLQ-C30 and QHIP G14 questionnaire were longitudinally assessed in N = 174 prospectively enrolled patients with indication of treatment of MRONJ stage I over a period of 12 months. Patients received conservative or surgical treatment. The measurement time points were preoperatively (T0), 12 weeks (T1), 6 months (T2) and 1 year after operation (T3). Results: For OHRQoL, no significant (p > 0.05) differences were found between both treatment groups for all timepoints (T0-T3). In the surgical treatment group, OHIP scores of T1, T2 and T3 were significantly lower than baseline measures (T0) (T0-T1 (2.99, p = 0.024), T0-T2 (5.20, p < 0.001), T0-T3 (7.44, p < 0.001)). For conservative treatment group OHIP, scores of T2 and T3 were significantly lower than baseline measures (T0) (T0-T2 (9.09, p = 0.013), T0-T3 (12.79, p < 0.001)). There was no statistically significant effect of time on QLQ-C30 scores in both groups (surgical treatment: F(3, 174) = 1.542, p < 0.205, partial η² = 0.026; conservative treatment: F(3, 30) = 0.528, p = 0.667, partial η² = 0.050). QLQ-C30 scores turned out to be significantly lower in the non-surgical group at T1 (p = 0.036) and T3 (p = 0.047) compared to the surgical treatment group. Conclusions: Surgical and conservative treatment of MRONJ stage I significantly improves patients' OHRQoL. Surgical treatment is superior to conservative treatment of MRONJ stage I regarding general QoL. Therefore, surgical treatment of MRONJ stage I should not be omitted for QoL reasons.

Effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy mediated by butyl toluidine blue in preventing medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws in rats

BACKGROUND

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is difficult to treat, therefore, prevention would be the ideal clinical approach. This study evaluated the effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT), mediated by butyl toluidine blue (BuTB) in the prevention of MRONJ-like lesions after tooth extraction in rats.

METHODS

Twenty-eight senescent female rats were distributed in groups: VEH and VEH-aPDT, treated with vehicle, ZOL and ZOL-aPDT, treated with 100 µg/Kg of zoledronate, both treatments every three days over seven weeks. After three weeks from the commencement of treatment, the mandibular first molar was extracted. For the VEH and ZOL groups, no local treatment was performed, while with the VEH-aPDT and ZOL-aPDT groups, photodynamic treatment was carried out at 0, 2, and 4 days after extraction. For aPDT, 500μl of BuTB solution was deposited on the dental extraction site (0.5 mg/ml; 60 s), followed by irradiation with low-level laser (InGaAIP; 660 nm; 35 mW; 74.2 J/cm²; 60 s). After 28 postoperative days, euthanasia was performed. The hemimandibles were processed to: (1) histological analysis of tissue repair; (2) histometric analysis of the percentage of newly formed bone tissue (PNFBT) and percentage of non-vital bone tissue (PNVBT); (3) immunohistochemical analysis for tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP).

RESULTS

The ZOL and ZOL-aPDT groups showed less TRAP-positive cells when compared with VEH and VEH-aPDT. The ZOL group demonstrated great compromise in the tissue repair process, consistent with MRONJ-like lesions. VEH, VEH-aPDT and ZOL-aPDT presented a favorable tissue repair process. PNFBT in the ZOL group was lower than in the VEH, VEH-aPDT and ZOL-aPDT groups, whereas PNVBT in the ZOL group was higher than in the VEH, VEH-aPDT and ZOL-aPDT groups.

CONCLUSION

aPDT mediated by BuTB prevented the occurrence of MRONJ-like lesions after tooth extraction in rats.

Oral-Health-Related Quality of Life in Patients with Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw: A Prospective Clinical Study

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) represents an adverse side effect of antiresorptive and antiangiogenic medications. It is associated with impaired quality of life, oral health, and oral function and can be classified into various stages. The purpose of this prospective clinical study is to evaluate the impact of stages I and II MRONJ on oral-health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) and related parameters. Patients' OHRQoL, satisfaction with life, oral discomfort, and oral health were assessed using the German version of the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-G49), visual analog scales (VAS), and Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) at baseline (T0), 10 days (T1), and 3 months after treatment (T2) in 36 patients. Data were analyzed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, two-way mixed ANOVAs, and follow-up Mann-Whitney U tests. The impact of treatment effects on the original seven OHIP domain structures and the recently introduced four-dimensional OHIP structure were evaluated using linear regression analysis. Thirty-six patients received surgical MRONJ treatment. Before treatment, patients' perceived OHRQoL, oral discomfort, oral health, and satisfaction with life were negatively affected by MRONJ. Surgical treatment significantly improved OHRQoL and related parameters (all p ≤ 0.012). This improvement was greater in patients with higher impairment at T0. OHRQoL and oral restrictions were still impaired after treatment in patients who needed prosthetic treatment. The four-dimensional structure revealed valuable information beyond the standard seven OHIP domains. Increased awareness of MRONJ risks and an interdisciplinary treatment approach for MRONJ patients are needed.

Development and evaluation of the clinimetric properties of the Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw Quality of Life Questionnaire (MRONJ-QoL)

The purpose of this study was to develop a self-administered questionnaire (MRONJ-QoL) to assess the quality of life (QoL) of patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). A prospective study was performed to develop and evaluate the questionnaire. The MRONJ-QoL was formulated through a review of the literature and interviews of experts and patients. Following development, it was administered to 60 patients with a diagnosis of MRONJ. The sensibility of the questionnaire was assessed by evaluating feasibility (via interviews of patients), face validity (via interviews of patients and experts), and content validity (via evaluation of internal consistency, floor/ceiling effects, and factor analysis). Reliability was evaluated by measuring intra-rater reliability. Construct validity of the questionnaire was evaluated by both cross-sectional and longitudinal comparisons, including comparing scores of the MRONJ-QoL to disease resolution at 6 months. The final MRONJ-QoL questionnaire consisted of 14 questions, demonstrating high internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha of 0.85) and good reliability (weighted kappa score of 0.65). At the 6-month follow-up, disease resolution was found to be significantly associated with improved MRONJ-QoL scores, suggesting validity of the questionnaire (P < 0.01). Therefore, this is a sensible, reliable, and valid questionnaire for evaluating the QoL of patients with MRONJ.

Usefulness of quantitative bone SPECT/CT for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in clinical settings

OBJECTIVE

This study was conducted to investigate the clinical utility of quantitative bone single-photon computed tomography-computed tomography (SPECT/CT) for detection and classification for medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty-nine patients (69 lesions) clinically diagnosed as MRONJ by four specialists of Japanese Society of Oral Surgery according to the AAOMS diagnostic criteria and who underwent bone SPECT/CT were enrolled. One reader determined standard uptake values (SUVs), including maximum (SUVmax), peak (SUVpeak), and mean (SUVmean), as well as metabolic bone volume (MBV), representing total volume above threshold, and total bone uptake (TBU), calculated as MBV × SUVmean, using the GI-BONE software package. One-way repeated-measures analysis of variance and subsequent post hoc analysis were employed to compare quantitative values between clinical stages. To check reproducibility of values, another reader calculated these quantitative values.

RESULTS

Mean SUVmax values for stage 0 (n = 21), 1 (n = 13), 2 (n = 25), and 3 (n = 10) were 5.82 ± 3.20, 5.46 ± 3.79, 8.16 ± 3.93, and 10.57 ± 8.43, respectively, while values for MBV were 9.52 ± 6.33, 11.36 ± 7.32, 12.4 ± 8.21, and 17.84 ± 16.94, respectively, and for TBU were 40.60 ± 46.97, 53.70 ± 77.26, 62.37 ± 42.91, and 102.01 ± 74.52, respectively. There were significant differences for SUVmax, SUVpeak, and SUVmean between clinical stages (p = 0.024, p = 0.027, p = 0.039, respectively). Subsequent post hoc analysis showed that SUVmax and SUVpeak of stage 3 were significantly higher than those of stage 0 (p = 0.046, 0.045, respectively). MBV and TBU showed a tendency to increase with increased stage, though differences between stages were not significant (p = 0.15, p = 0.053, respectively). Little differences of mean SUVmax, SUVpeak, SUVmean, MBV, and TBU between two readers were observed (- 3.10%, - 0.26%, - 4.24%%, 0.69%, and - 3.42%, respectively). The intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) of SUVmax, SUVpeak, SUVmean, MBV, and TBU were 0.985, 0.990, 0.980, 0.994, and 0.994, respectively (almost perfect for all values).

CONCLUSION

As objective and reliable indicators, SUVmax and SUVpeak derived from quantitative bone SPECT/CT results are useful for detection of early status disease, as well as staging in MRONJ patients.

Medication related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ): Factors related to recurrence after treatment with surgery and platelet rich plasma (PRP) placement

Background

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is a well-known complication associated with antiresorptive and antiangiogenic therapies. The purpose of this study was to analyse if there is any predictive factor of recurrence after local debridement plus platelet rich plasma (PRP) placement in MRONJ patients.

Material and Methods

Seventy MRONJ patients treated at the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in La Paz Hospital (Madrid, Spain) were included in this retrospective study. All of them were treated surgically by local debridement and PRP placement. The observation period was between January 2012 and January 2019. Information regarding use, type, administration, and duration of therapy with BP/denosumab was recorded. The follow-up period ranged from 2-52 months. A descriptive analysis, a bivariate and a multivariate study were performed.

Results

Most of the patients were women (82.9%) between 50-70 years old (64.3%), with a stage II disease (74.3%). The therapy lasted more than 12 months in 54.8% of them. Zoledronic acid was the main antiresorptive used (44.3%), followed by oral administered BPs (29 patients, 41.4%) and denosumab (10 patients, 14.3%). Osteoporosis (48.6%), breast cancer (30%) and multiple myeloma (11.4%) were the main diseases because the patients were taking antirresorptives. 13 patients (18.6%) experienced recurrence. We found that breast cancer patients (p>0.0001), smokers (p>0.016), and administration of zoledronic acid (p>0.0001) were related to recurrence. After performing the multivariate model, we found that the only factor related to recurrence was smoking habit (Wald 3.837, p=0.05, OR 6.12).

Conclusions

recurrence after local debridement plus PRP placement in our MRONJ series affected to 18.6% of patients. It seems to be more frequent in breast cancer patients, smokers, and after zoledronic acid administration. Smoking habit was the only independent factor related to recurrence in our series.

Key words:Osteonecrosis of the jaw, recurrence, risk factor, bisphosphonates, zoledronic acid, denosumab, platelet rich plasma.

Quality of life in cancer patients with or without medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw

PURPOSE

Cancer and its therapies can have a significant impact on general and oral health and, therefore, cause a reduction in patients' quality of life (QoL). The study aimed to evaluate the QoL of cancer patients who use antiresorptive and anti-angiogenic medications with or without the development of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ).

METHODS

Sixty-two patients diagnosed with cancer under antiresorptive therapy answered three instruments from the European Organization for Cancer Research and Treatment (EORTC). The first questionnaire (QLQ-C30) aimed to measure the overall QoL, the second (QLQ-ELD14) is a complementary module for elderly patients, and the third (QLQ-OH15) aimed to assess oral health related to QoL.

RESULTS

The mean age of the patients was 62.19 years, and 12.9% developed MRONJ. There was no significant difference between sex and MRONJ. Among the QLQ-C30 scales, the item "role functioning (RF2)" presented a significant result (p = 0.019). Those patients without MRONJ had a better function performance both in their daily chores and in their free time. Age was not associated to MRONJ, although some concerns are common to the elderly and cancer patients. QoL related to oral health presented a significant result (p = 0.048) showing that MRONJ has a negative impact on patients' QoL.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that MRONJ has a significant impact on the general and oral QoL of cancer patients, and therefore prevention and awareness must be a priority.

Quality of life in patients affected by medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws: A systematic review

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review was to describe the quality of life and oral health-related quality of life of patients affected by medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw.

STUDY DESIGN

The review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. A combination of keywords and MeSH terms was used in PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and EBSCO up to December 13, 2020.

RESULTS

A total of 1066 results were obtained after duplicate exclusion and 11 articles were included in the final qualitative analysis. Most of the articles described the quality of life in patients with osteonecrosis of the jaw secondary to cancer treatment. The main drugs associated with the disease were bisphosphonates. Surgical treatment of the osteonecrosis improves the quality of life of these patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The present systematic review suggested the negative influence of osteonecrosis of the jaw on the quality of life and oral health-related quality of life among oncologic and osteoporotic patients. The use of quality of life questionnaires in daily practice could be an important tool to better diagnose and manage patients affected by osteonecrosis of the jaws who have received or are receiving drugs associated with this complication.

A New Medical Record Proposal to the Prognostic Risk Assessment for MRONJ in Oncologic Patients: "Sapienza Head and Neck Unit" Proposal

Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is an adverse event associated with antiresorptive and antiangiogenic drugs. The use of these drugs in the treatment of cancer patients with bone metastasis is necessary and standardized in the literature. A multidisciplinary approach for the patient’s management is strongly recommended. Therefore, it should be necessary to integrate the path of these subjects with a dedicated dental screening in order to first assess the individual risk of developing a MRONJ, and then to plan dental treatments and oral hygiene sessions, and finally to schedule a follow-up to intercept and treat early osteonecrosis. The aim of this manuscript is to propose a new simple medical report to evaluate patients affected by metastatic bone cancer in order to reduce the risk of developing MRONJ.

Management of Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ) Using Leukocyte- and Platelet-Rich Fibrin (L-PRF) and Photobiomodulation: A Retrospective Study

Background. The aim of this study was to compare retrospectively the effect of three different treatment protocols on the healing outcome in patients with established medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Methods. A total of 34 MRONJ patients were recruited from the Department database and were divided according to the treatment protocols in a study group (G1) and two control groups (G2 and G3). G1 was treated with antibiotic therapy, surgery, leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF), and photobiomodulation; G2 was treated with antibiotic therapy and surgery; G3 was treated with antibiotic therapy and photobiomodulation. Various clinical variables and treatment protocols were analyzed to determine their correlation with the healing outcome at three and six months of follow-up. Results. There was a significant association between the different treatment protocols and the outcomes at both three and six months follow-up (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively). No significant association was observed between the outcomes and MRONJ localization, MRONJ stage, duration of drug treatment, gender, diabetes, corticosteroid therapy, smoking habits, underlying disease, and history of chemotherapy at both three and six months follow-up. Conclusions. Our results show that the combination of antibiotic therapy, surgery, L-PRF, and photobiomodulation may effectively contribute to MRONJ management.

Tobacco, Alcohol and Family History of Cancer as Risk Factors of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Case-Control Retrospective Study

The aim of the study is to observe retrospectively the correlation between Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) and risk factors; including tobacco, alcohol and Family History of Cancer (FHC). A total of 478 patients were included retrospectively from the database of the Department of Oral Sciences and Maxillofacial Surgery, Sapienza University of Rome. A Test Group (TG) consisted of 239 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of OSCC. A Control Group (CG) consisted of 239 patients without history and/or diagnosis of oral cancer. The logistic regression models were used to calculate the adjusted Odd Ratios (ORs) associated with alcohol, tobacco and FHC; including the General Family History of Cancer (GFHC) and Family History of Head and Neck Cancer (FHHNC) and their 95% Confidence Intervals (CI). The high rate of tobacco consumption was associated with an OR of 1.035 (95% CI 1.001–1.070) and a statistical significance (p = 0.041). Drinker patients showed a significant risk of developing OSCC (p = 0.05) and the OR was 1.035 (95% CI 1.010–1.061). The GFHC was associated with a marginal risk of OSCC with an OR of 1.095 (95% CI 0.953–1.259), without significance (p = 0.199). The FHHNC showed a notable risk increase with an OR of 1.871 (95% CI 0.902–3.882), without significance (p = 0.092). Alcohol and tobacco may be associated with an increase in the risk of OSCC.