Association Between Malignant Diseases and Medication-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (MRONJ): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Purpose: The aim was to identify whether malignant diseases increase the risk of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) occurrence when patients are exposed to bisphosphonate, antiresorptive or antiangiogenic drugs. To analyze related factors. Methods: A systematic literature searching was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Google Scholar for studies with information about whether patients have malignant diseases. Patients involved must be treated with MRONJ-related drugs and at high risk of developing MRONJ. Results: A total of 6 cohort studies and 3 case-control studies were included. Analysis according 9 studies shows that malignant diseases have significant influence on MRONJ occurrence (risk ratio (RR): 2.62; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.58–4.33; P =0.0002). Subgroup analysis according 6 cohort studies also shows that malignant diseases significantly affect MRONJ occurrence (RR: 3.50; 95% CI: 1.63–7.52; P =0.001). Chemotherapy have no obvious influence on MRONJ occurrence (RR: 1.64; 95% CI: 0.79–3.39; P =0.18). Intravenous drug administration significantly influences MRONJ occurrence (RR: 2.67; 95% CI: 1.27–5.58; P =0.009). Conclusions: Patients with malignant diseases have higher risk of MRONJ occurrence when exposed to bisphosphonate, antiresorptive, or antiangiogenic drugs. Cumulative dosages from intravenous drugs administration contribute to MRONJ developing. Prevention of MRONJ in patients with malignancy should be emphasized.