New research could prevent jaw damage in patients being treated for cancer

[smroush]

New research on preventing osteonecrosis of the jaw, a rare side effect caused by drugs commonly used to combat bone loss, such as Xofigo. The article states the technique is not yet ready for clinical use in humans, but is a very positive step in that direction.

medicalxpress.com/news/2019...

[greatjohn]

sounds great....I assume this might help with the issue in Xgeva with jaw issues as well?

John

[smroush in reply to greatjohn]

Good question - I am not sure of the answer. The article specifically refers to osteonecrosis of the jaw due to use of bisphosphonates. My understanding is that Xgeva is not a bisphosphonate, even though it can lead to jaw issues.

[greatjohn in reply to smroush]

hmm. Thanks,,, something more to "chew" on...LOL. My dentist did NOT want me start taking the Xgeva...although I have perfect teeth...only one crown from a small cavity years ago (and in an odd spot or it would have just been a small filling). After 3 months on Xgeva, I am already getting some "bone pain"...even in my teeth. These things we take make life special!

John

[tango65 in reply to greatjohn]

Biphosphonates are incorporated into the bone. The article indicates that they could displace the biphophosnate zoledronate (zoledronic acid) in the jaw by injecting a special compund. It seeems that this process helps the healing of the necrotic area.

Xgeve or Prolia, denosumab is a monoclonal antibody that is not incorporated into the bone. Denosumab binds to RANKL, a protein that is essential for the formation, function and survival of osteoclasts, the cells responsible for bone resorption..

[herb1]

Whatever happened to strontium products as a better, safer alternative to bisphosphonates?

herb