Osteonecrosis of the maxilla and mandible in patients treated with bisphosphonates: A retrospective study

8088 Background: Bisphosphonates (BP) inhibit osteoclast activity and decrease the risk of skeletal complications. Hence, intravenous BPs have been incorporated into the therapy of patients (pts) with osseous metastases of various tumor types. Anecdotal reports of osteonecrosis (ON) in the maxilla and mandible have raised concerns regarding BP toxicity. To further explore this potential drug complication, we preformed a retrospective chart review of pts with multiple myeloma and metastatic breast cancer who were receiving intravenous BP therapy. Methods: The medical and dental records of all pts with multiple myeloma or breast cancer who were treated in the Dental Service of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between 1/1/00 and 12/10/03 were reviewed. Pts who presented with exposed bone or ON of the maxilla or mandible and were previously treated with BP were further evaluated for various clinical and pathological characteristics. Results: 124 pts were identified within the time frame and disease type...