Incidence of bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws in breast cancer patients.

BACKGROUND: Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws (BP-ONJ) is a relatively new disease. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of BP-ONJ in breast cancer patients with osseous metastasis and bisphosphonate therapy. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in a EUSOMA accredited breast unit in Germany. All patients treated from January of 2000 to March of 2006 with metastatic breast cancer and bisphosphonate therapy were reviewed. All patients were contacted, and missing data were completed through structured interviews with their dentists and physicians (n = 75). Primary outcome was the development of BP-ONJ and the detection of possible additional trigger fa…