Efficacy and tolerability of medical ozone gas insufflations in patients with osteonecrosis of the jaw treated with bisphosphonates – preliminary data

A selection of abstracts of clinically relevant papers from other journals. The abstracts on this page have been chosen and edited by John R. Radford.

Abstract

Ozone offers 'a promising...therapeutic option'.

Main

Ripamonti CI, Maniezzo M et al. J Bone Oncol 2012; 1: 81–87

Those taking bisphosphonates and other agents that inhibit osteoclast activity such as denosumab (human monoclonal antibody), are at increased risk of osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ). The investigators used a Simon two-stage optimal design study to ascertain if ozone therapy 'warrant (s) more extensive development'. It was argued that it was not possible to carry out a RCT. The ozone was delivered topically to the ONJ lesion by circulating the gas in a space created in an impression recorded of the jaw. Twenty-four patient were recruited to the study and all ONJ lesions were >2.5 cm in dimension. Favorable outcomes were reported, with 1) 6 patients exfoliating a sequestrum, 2) when surgical intervention was indicated, a 'healthy mandible edge' was noted, and 3) in none of the patients was there relapse.