Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw in cancer and osteoporosis patients: a retrospective seven-year single-center Norwegian cohort study of clinical profiles and documented soft tissue healing

OBJECTIVE: To compare systemic profiles, oral findings, and documented soft tissue healing between cancer and osteoporosis patients with medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective single-center cohort included 105 cases treated in 2013-2019 (56 cancer; 49 osteoporosis). Healing at last follow-up was analyzed using adjusted logistic regression and Firth sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Of 102 cases with known final status, 68 had documented healing. Osteoporosis cases were older, predominantly female, and had longer antiresorptive exposure than cancer cases (76.7 ± 11.1 vs. 70.0 ± 8.5 years; 102.5 ± 77.8 vs. 34.6 ± 28.5 months; both p < 0.001). Stage II predominated and Stage 0 was uncommon (3/105, 2.9%). Previous tooth extraction at the MRONJ lesion site was more frequent in osteoporosis (95.9% vs. 71.4%; p < 0.001). Surgical treatment was associated with higher healing odds (adjusted odds ratio [OR]: 11.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.12 to 33.35; p < 0.001), whereas cancer indication was associated with lower odds (adjusted OR: 0.23, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.68; p = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: Systemic profiles differed; oral patterns were similar. Non-random treatment and missing healing dates limit interpretation. Previous tooth extraction was the most frequent antecedent event; its indication and timing were unverified.