Osteonecrosis of jaw in patient with hormone-refractory prostate cancer treated with zoledronic acid

Intravenous bisphosphonates are widely used in the management of metastatic bone disease, as well as osteoporosis. Recent published reports have documented a possible link between treatment with intravenous bisphosphonates and osteonecrosis of the jaw. We report a case of osteonecrosis of the jaw in 1 patient with prostate cancer receiving both chemotherapy and intravenous zoledronic acid (Zometa). Bisphosphonates have been demonstrated to alter the normal bone microenvironment and appear to have direct effects on tumors as well. These changes may contribute to the development of osteonecrosis of the jaw, particularly after tooth extractions or other invasive dental procedures.