Osteonecrosis of the jaw was thought to be a rare side effect of drugs like denosumab (Xgeva) that lessen bone problems when cancer has spread to the bone. But a new study has found that the painful side effect is more common than once thought. https://go.nih.gov/hIRl4cg Media Description: A CT scan showing osteonecrosis of the jaw (arrow) thought to be caused by treatment with a bisphosphonate drug. Credit: Case Reports in Oncological Medicine. 2014. doi: 10.1155/2014/281812. CC BY 3.0.
My mother has been receiving Xgeva injections for 7 years due to bone metastasis, and I am concerned about potential complications. Should she consider stopping this medication?
Is this for osteoporosis patients?
Author of "Taming Cancer" and President, Shenandoah Biotechnology Consulting, LLC
1dI believe it important to note that the data from this study is specific to cancer patients and not osteoporosis patients. In the former case, relatively large doses are given in a shorter time frame relative to the less frequent and lower dose regimen used for people with bone loss. For example, many cancer patients receive Xgeva at 120 mg monthly, while osteoporosis patients receive a 60 mg dose every six months.