World Cancer Day 2026: Raising Awareness of MRONJ
On World Cancer Day, GreenNanoBone highlights not only cancer itself, but also the challenges patients may face during and after treatment. Advances in cancer treatment have significantly improved survival rates. As more patients live longer during and after treatment, attention must also be given to long term side effects that can affect quality of life. MRONJ is one such condition.
What is MRONJ?
Medication Related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw is a rare but serious condition in which jawbone gets exposed and fails to heal over an extended period. The jaw is particularly vulnerable because of its high renewal rate renewal and because it is continuously exposed to bacteria in the oral environment.
Patients with MRONJ may experience pain, inflammation, infection of surrounding tissues, and loosening of teeth. In more advanced cases, eating, speaking, and maintaining oral hygiene can become difficult. While some cases are mild, severe forms may involve extensive bone damage and require long term treatment or surgery.
Why is MRONJ relevant for cancer patients?
MRONJ is most commonly associated with a group of medicines called bisphosphonates. These drugs slow down bone resorption and help maintain bone strength.
Bisphosphonates play a vital role in cancer care. Many cancers, including breast cancer and prostate cancer, can spread to bone. In addition, cancer therapies such as chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and long term corticosteroid use can weaken the bones. Bisphosphonates help reduce bone loss, lower fracture risk, and decrease complications related to bone metastases. For many patients, they are essential and life saving.
However, in rare cases, particularly after tooth extractions or other invasive dental procedures, these medicines can raise the risk of developing MRONJ. Although the overall risk remains low, it is significantly higher in cancer patients receiving high doses of bisphosphonates over a prolongued period of time.*
The importance of awareness and prevention
Raising awareness about MRONJ is crucial for both patients and healthcare professionals. Preventive dental assessment before starting treatment, careful planning of invasive procedures, and early recognition of symptoms can help reduce the risk and severity of the condition.
GreenNanoBone: Developing new solutions
At GreenNanoBone, our research focuses on better understanding MRONJ and developing innovative, minimally invasive treatment strategies. Our plant based antimicrobial hydrogel is designed to support tissue regeneration and improve healing outcomes.
On World Cancer Day, we reaffirm our commitment to improving quality of life for cancer patients and survivors by addressing the long term challenges of cancer therapy through research, innovation, and collaboration.
*Disclaimer: Patients should never stop or change bisphosphonate treatment without medical advice. These medicines remain a cornerstone of supportive cancer care.