Pentoxifylline and tocopherol protocol to treat medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: A systematic literature review

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#bisphosphonate-associated-osteonecrosis-of-the-jaw #bone-density-conservation-agents #diphosphonates #humans #mandible

Pentoxifylline and tocopherol protocol to treat medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: A systematic literature review

Cavalcante et al., 2020 | J Craniomaxillofac Surg | Systematic Review

Citation

Cavalcante Rafael Correia, Tomasetti Guilherme. Pentoxifylline and tocopherol protocol to treat medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw: A systematic literature review. J Craniomaxillofac Surg. 2020-Nov;48(11):1080-1086. doi:10.1016/j.jcms.2020.09.008

Abstract

PURPOSE: Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) is a previously described debilitating condition in which patients experience progressive bone destruction in the maxilla and/or mandible after exposure to certain drugs. Clinical management of MRONJ remains controversial, with no established guidelines. The aim of our study was to conduct a literature review on the effectiveness of pentoxifylline (PTX) and tocopherol (PENTO protocol) on MRONJ. STUDY DESIGN: A literature review was conducted, using two different scientific databases, to evaluate the effects of PTX and tocopherol on MRONJ. DISCUSSION: PENTO protocol prescription to treat MRONJ was reported to be well tolerated, with minimal side-effects, and non-expensive when compared with other non-surgical treatment modalities. It was shown to relieve painful symptoms in all patients, and significant new bone formation was observed at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Observational and case-series studies have demonstrated that pentoxifylline and tocopherol are potentially useful in the non-surgical management of MRONJ.

Key Findings

Observational and case-series studies have demonstrated that pentoxifylline and tocopherol are potentially useful in the non-surgical management of MRONJ.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Bisphosphonate-Associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw
  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Diphosphonates
  • Humans
  • Mandible
  • Osteonecrosis
  • Pentoxifylline
  • Tocopherols

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-e

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09