What Researchers Did
Researchers assessed the long-term progress of 20 out of 26 patients who had experienced postradiation osteonecrosis of the jaw between 1975 and 1989.
What They Found
At long-term follow-up, 60% (12 of 20) of patients had resolved postradiation osteonecrosis, while 20% (5 of 20) continued to have chronic persisting disease. Only 10% (2 of 20) showed improvement in clinical staging, and two patients experienced recurrences.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients who have undergone radiation therapy for cancer should be aware that postradiation osteonecrosis can develop many years later, potentially indefinitely. However, the risk of experiencing a second episode after initial management appears to be low.
Canadian Relevance
This study has direct Canadian relevance as it was conducted by Canadian researchers.
Study Limitations
A limitation of this study is the relatively small sample size and the loss of some patients to follow-up.