BUFFALO, NY – Tracey L. O’Connor, MD, Staff Physician, Department of Medicine, at Roswell Park Cancer Institute (RPCI), will discuss the results of a retrospective study to identify the risk factors for osteonecrosis of the jaw (OJN) and the utility of bone scans in its diagnosis, during a poster session titled, “Patient and Survivor Care,” at the 2007 annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO), June 1- 5 in Chicago, IL.

“Bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaw: Risk factors and diagnostic utility of bone scans.”

Embargoed until Saturday, June 2, 2 pm CST

S Hall A2   Poster Number: AA6     Abstract No: 9052

ONJ is a serious, long-term effect of treatment with intravenous bisphosphonates which are used in the treatment of cancer. This study included 354 patients who had received intravenous bisphosphonate treatment at Roswell Park between 2002 and 2006. Of this group, 24 (7%) patients were diagnosed with ONJ. Analysis of these patients implicates the number of bisphosphonate infusions and a history of chemotherapy, smoking and prior dental extractions as apparent risk factors for ONJ. 

The study also found jaw uptake on bone scans was not a reliable predictor for the development of ONJ.

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) is a non-profit organization, founded in 1964, with overarching goals of improving cancer care and prevention and ensuring that all patients with cancer receive care of the highest quality. Nearly 25,000 oncology practitioners belong to ASCO, representing all oncology disciplines (medical, radiologic and surgical oncology) and subspecialties. Members include physicians and health-care professionals participating in approved oncology training programs, oncology nurses and other practitioners with a predominant interest in oncology. 

Roswell Park Cancer Institute, founded in 1898, is the nation’s first cancer research, treatment and education center and is the only National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in Upstate New York. RPCI is a member of the prestigious National Comprehensive Cancer Network, an alliance of the nation’s leading cancer centers. Roswell Park has affiliate sites and collaborative programs in New York, Pennsylvania, and in China. For more information, visit RPCI’s website at www.roswellpark.org, call 1-877-ASK-RPCI (1-877-275-7724) or e-mail askrpci@roswellpark.org.

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