Osteonecrosis of the jaws and bevacizumab therapy: a case report

Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol. 2012 Jul-Sep;25(3):789-91. doi: 10.1177/039463201202500328.

Abstract

Bevacizumab is a humanized recombinant monoclonal antibody that blocks vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Recently, its use has been related with osteneocrosis of the jaws (ONJ), a disease showing a histological pattern similar to bisphosphonate-related ONJ. The aim of this study is to describe an ONJ case-report following bevacizumab chemotherapy without bisphosphonate therapy. We monitored ONJ development associated with the use of bevacizumab in a 47-year-old male with primitive adenocarcinoma of the parotid gland. Our results could suggest a possible correlation between the eruption of the lower third molar tooth and ONJ development following bevacizumab therapy. Clinicians should be aware of the potential risk of bevacizumab-related ONJ complication; moreover, since there are no effective therapeutic protocols for ONJ treatment, it is very important that patients develop good oral hygiene habits and undergo regular dental status evaluation by dentists.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / drug therapy*
  • Adenocarcinoma / pathology
  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors / adverse effects*
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized / adverse effects*
  • Bevacizumab
  • Humans
  • Jaw Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Jaw Diseases / diagnosis
  • Jaw Diseases / therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteonecrosis / chemically induced*
  • Osteonecrosis / diagnosis
  • Osteonecrosis / therapy
  • Parotid Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Parotid Neoplasms / pathology
  • Time Factors
  • Tooth Eruption / drug effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Angiogenesis Inhibitors
  • Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized
  • Bevacizumab