Plasma-rich Growth Factor Can Help Cancer IV Bisphosphonate Using Patients With Tooth Extractions

Osteonecrosis of the jaw in a patient who had poor oral hygiene and
generalized periodontal disease and recently underwent routine dental
extractions in the mandible. This patient had undergone monthly
intravenous bisphosphonate therapy for treatment of multiple myeloma
during the previous 12 months.
Photo credit: Mayo Clinic

Good news for cancer patients who need a tooth extraction.

Plasma-rich growth factor (PRGF) can aid in the surgical management of cancer patients on bisphosphonate therapy who require a tooth extraction, according to a new study in Oral Oncology.

For cancer patients who undergo intravenous (IV) bisphosphonate therapy, dental extraction is the main cause of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ), the researchers noted (Oral Onc, April 5, 2012).

Managing these patients after surgery can be challenging. Often any surgical intervention is completed prior to IV Bisphosphonate use, but sometimes this is not always possible.

Good news here.