Oral osteonecrosis associated with the use of ibandronate: report of a case and clinical implications

A breast cancer patient with skeletal metastases was treated with only one IV dose of ibandronate in March of 2005 and subsequent doses of oral ibandronate 50 mg daily. One year after the IV infusion, the patient complained of oral pain under her lower denture. After several negative attempts from her dentist to control the pain and adjust the denture, the patient was diagnosed with bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis (BON) of the mandible. The use of ibandronate, a potent bisphosphonate, is increasing worldwide. Prescribing oncologists should be aware of the potential for the developement of new cases of BON in a similar fashion as with zoledronic acid.