Investigating bone cell death in jaw osteonecrosis related to cancer treatments.

Osteocyte Death in Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Rice Rats: Role of Necroptosis and Temporal Relationship with Radiographic, Molecular and Histopathologic Findings

NIH-funded research University of Florida · NIH-10689159

This study is looking at how certain medications can lead to a serious jaw condition called osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in people with cancer or osteoporosis, and it aims to find early signs of this condition to help create better treatments, so if you're dealing with these health issues, your participation could really help.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Florida NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Gainesville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10689159 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ), a serious condition that can occur in patients with cancer or osteoporosis who have taken certain medications. The study aims to understand the role of osteocyte death in the development of ONJ, particularly how it relates to oral health factors like tooth extractions or infections. By examining the timing and nature of cell death in the jaw, researchers hope to identify early signs of ONJ and develop new treatments that could prevent its progression. Patients may be monitored for symptoms and undergo imaging and tissue analysis to gather important data.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include patients with cancer or osteoporosis who are undergoing treatment with antiresorptive drugs and have oral health issues.

Not a fit: Patients who have not taken antiresorptive medications or do not have any oral risk factors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that prevent osteonecrosis of the jaw in at-risk patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of this research is novel, there is existing literature that supports the importance of understanding osteocyte death in skeletal conditions.

Where this research is happening

Gainesville, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.