Targeted drug repurposing in medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: a review of teriparatide and pentoxifylline/α-tocopherol protocols

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Source: Frontiers Medicine

Original: https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmed.2026.1750238...

Published: 2026-03-03T00:00:00Z

Treatment-emergent osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a serious adverse event associated with antiresorptive and antiangiogenic therapy prescribed to patients with cancer or osteoporosis.[1] The exact mechanisms of MRONJ remain unclear and effective therapies for its treatment are lacking.[1] Two elaborate pharmacological protocols—teriparatide and the combination of pentoxifylline with α-tocopherol—have demonstrated potential therapeutic benefits in the management of this complication.[1] The article evaluates the therapeutic potential of these targeted drug repurposing protocols and suggests their application for both the prevention and treatment of MRONJ.[1] Drug repurposing represents a rapid and cost-effective approach, especially for cancer patients.[1] However, the current evidence base is limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneous patient populations, nonrandomized study designs, and inconsistent outcome measures, precluding definitive conclusions about efficacy and optimal clinical use.[1]