Bisphosphonate-Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (BRONJ): Initial Discovery and Subsequent Development

The efficacy of bisphosphonates in controlling skeletally related events in cancer patients and fractures in osteoporotic patients coupled with a relatively low level of toxicity and adverse events resulted in a widespread use of these medications in oncology and general internal medicine. However, in early 2001 a relationship had been established between these medications and a new disease entity characterized by necrosis of bone that was isolated to the jaws. This paper will present the chronology of events that led to the discovery of this new complication now known as bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw and review the reaction of professional organizations, the pharmaceutical industry, and government regulators.