Preliminary results on residual bisphosphonate amount in alveolar bone sequestra

• Published in: Annali di stomatologia 2015-04, Vol.6 (1), p.13
• Main Authors: Intra, C, Soru, C, Minoli, M, Faro, F Lo, Varoni, E M
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1824-0852; 1971-1441

The aim of the study is to identify the amount of two commonly used bisphosphonates (BP), i.e. zolendronate and alendronate, in bone sequestra from patients affected by Bisphosphonate (BP)-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (BRONJ). BPs possess a strong chemical interaction with bone tissue, lasting even months after therapy suspension. All BRONJ patients, who experienced spontaneous or surgical removal of bone sequestra, were included, thus bone sequestra were collected and stored at -80 degrees Celsius until further analysis. Zolendronate and alendronate were successfully quantified in human necrotic bone. The 33 bone samples from patients under current or previous treatment with zolendronate were obtained, and 27 of them analyzed. The average duration of therapy was about 3 years. The authors observed residual amount of both alendronate and zolendronate in bone sequestra, even after drug suspension, confirming their strong chemical interaction with bone tissue. Although preliminary, these data may contribute to better elucidate the pathogenesis of BRONJ. Nonetheless, the set-up of experimental protocols for the detection of further BPs is also required.