Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients with metastatic cancer

20591 Background: Given reports of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) and bisphosphonate therapy (BPT), we conducted a 7-year review of patients receiving BPT in our clinic for clinical and radiographic evidence of ONJ. Our clinic population is a predominantly indigent population with poor access to dental care and, consequently, significant pre-existing dental disease. Methods: Pharmacy records and medical charts were reviewed from 9/99 to 11/06, identifying 255 patients given BPT; 14% received pamidronate exclusively and the rest zoledronic acid. The indication was multiple myeloma (14%), breast cancer (43%), and other solid tumors (43%). As the risk of ONJ increases with increasing duration of therapy, charts of 66 patients who received ≥ 10 cycles of therapy were analyzed further for clinical signs (jaw or facial pain), radiographic signs (plain films, CT/scans, or bone scans), and physical findings consistent with ONJ (dental abscesses and/or exposed bone). Radiology records were available for 66/66 and ...