Osteonecrosis of the jaw induced by receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (Denosumab) - Review

BACKGROUND: Denosumab, an anti-resorptive agent, IgG2 monoclonal antibody for human Receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B ligand (RANKL), has been related to the occurrence of osteonecrosis of the jaws. Thus, the aim of this study was to review the literature from clinical case reports, regarding the type of patient and the therapeutic approach used for osteonecrosis of the jaws induced by chronic use of Denosumab. MATERIAL AND METHODS: For this, a literature review was performed on PubMed, Medline and Cochrane databases, using the keywords “Denosumab” “anti-RANK ligand” and “Osteonecrosis of jaw”. To be included, articles should be a report or a serie of clinical cases, describing patients aged 18 years or over who used denosumab therapy and have received any therapy for ONJ. RESULTS: Thirteen complete articles were selected for this review, totaling 17 clinical cases. The majority of ONJ cases, patients receiving Denosumab as treatment for osteoporosis and prostate cancer therapy. In most cases, patients affected by ONJ were women aged 60 or over and posterior mandible area was the main site of involvement. Diabetes pre-treatment with bisphosphonates and exodontia were the most often risk factors related to the occurrence of this condition. It is concluded that the highest number of ONJ cases caused by the use of anti-RANKL agents occurred in female patients, aged 60 years or older, under treatment for osteoporosis and cancer metastasis, and the most affected region was the mandible posterior. CONCLUSIONS: The results presented in this article are valid tool supporting the non-invasive mapping of facial vascularization. Key words:Denosumab, osteonecrosis, adverse effects, osteoporosis, antineoplastic protocols.