Abstract
The human anti-RANKL monoclonal antibody, denosumab, inhibits bone resorption. It is used to prevent bone metastasis in various solid carcinomas, including those affecting the lung and breast. It is also used for the treatment of other conditions such as hypercalcemia, osteoporosis, and multiple myeloma. However, although osteonecrosis of the jaw is a common side effect in patients receiving denosumab, due to the small number of reported cases in recent years, denosumab has been approved for use in this country. A case of necrosis of the jaw bone that was thought to be caused by denosumab is presented. A 67-year-old man, treated for the progression of lung cancer, was administered denosumab for a period of 11 months. Following extraction of the right maxillary first molar, in view of the long-term jawbone exposure, osteosclerosis of the upper jaw was noted during radiographic evaluation.
