Is bisphosphonate therapy compromised by the emergence of adverse bone disorders?

Abstract

Bisphosphonates (BPs) are the preferred class of antiresorptive agents used for the treatment of osteoporosis and bone metastases. Recently, an increasing number of clinical reports concerning osteonecrosis of the jaw and atypical fractures have suggested a link between prolonged use of BPs and these adverse bone events, which are exceptionally difficult to treat. Even though these side effects were mainly observed in patients with metastases, osteoporotic patients might become increasingly affected by these conditions with the increasing use of injectable BPs. Could these severe adverse bone events compromise the use of BPs? The development of these unfavorable conditions as a consequence of oversuppression of bone resorption could raise concern regarding the use of therapeutic strategies involving antiresorptive drugs.