Osteoradionecrosis and bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: a review of the pathogenesis and treatment

Abstract

Osteoradionecrosis of the jaw (ORNJ) and bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ) are usually caused by head and neck radio-therapy and by the usage of bisphosphonate, respectively. These diseases can lead to facial deformity and dysfunction of the mandible, and may cause severe chronic facial pain. The pathogenesis of ORNJ and BRONJ are complex, and the therapy of which is still challenged. The present article reviewed the latest literature about the pathogenesis and treatment of ORNJ and BRONJ were reviewed for update. The irradiation may damage the endothelia cells and microvessels in jaw bone, which leads to the termination of the bone remodeling 15 days after irradiation. Mesenchymal stem cells based bio-therapy can assist the recovery of mandibular circulation and the reconstruction of the bone, showing therapeutic potential for ORNJ clinical treatment. Bisphosphonate can induce the dysfunction of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells and the immune imbalance of the body. Allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells transplantation can rebuild the jaw bone and rebalance the immune of the recipient, demonstrating the ideally potential for the treatment of BRONJ. Taking together, although it would be complicated and winding, the improvement of biotech and the usage of mesenchymal stem cells shed a light on the way of ORNJ and BRONJ treatments.