Treatment period and changes in bone markers according to the application of teriparatide in treating medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to explore the effects of teriparatide (TPTD) on treatment duration, surgical procedures, and bone turnover markers in medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ). Methods: We analyzed 76 patients with MRONJ post-treatment and divided them into conservative/surgical and TPTD/non-TPTD groups. Key assessments included treatment duration, surgery count, and changes in bone markers (serum C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen [CTX], osteocalcin [OC], procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide [P1NP], parathyroid hormone [PTH], 25-OH-vitamin D [25(OH)D], calcium, and inorganic phosphorus) measured at the initial and post-treatment stages. Results: TPTD-treated surgical patients experienced shorter treatment periods and underwent fewer surgeries than did non-TPTD counterparts. Post-treatment, both groups showed significant increases in CTX, OC, and 25(OH)D levels. P1NP elevation was significant only in the non-TPTD group. Although the PTH levels decreased in both groups, the difference was not statistically significant. Calcium and phosphorus levels increased in both groups, but only calcium levels increased significantly in the TPTD group. Additionally, TPTD-treated patients showed significant improvements in T-scores, particularly in the lumbar spine and femur neck, compared to the non-TPTD group. Conclusions: TPTD administration during MRONJ treatment potentially reduces the need for surgical intervention and accelerates recovery, significantly affecting bone metabolism. These findings highlight TPTD’s role in enhancing the efficacy of MRONJ treatment. TPTD could potentially offer the dual benefit of promoting bone healing and reducing the need for surgical intervention, thus improving overall outcomes for patients with MRONJ. © The Author(s) 2025.