We report the occurrence of jaw necrosis associated to pamidronate (Aredia ) therapy in a patient undergoing multiple myeloma treatment. Although it is not possible to prove definitively the link between bisphosphonate therapy and jaw osteonecrosis, the association of multiple myeloma with severe immunosuppression, prolonged bisphosphonate therapy and the occurrence of jaw necrosis, suggest a relationship. Hematologists should be aware of this potentially serious complication in multiple myeloma patients receiving long-term treatment with pamidronate.
Multiple myeloma; osteonecrosis of the jaw; pamidronate