Does chemotherapy cause avascular necrosis? does having cancer treatments such as chemo or radiation increase my risk of avascular necrosis? .

Possible: Certain therapeutics, although not chemotherapy, that are commonly used in cancer patients can be associated with avascular necrosis (avn). Examples of these agents include: zometa, xgeva (denosumab) and avstin that can be associated with osteonecrosis of the jaw. Dexamethasone and radiation therapy can also cause avn.

Radiation can: Radiation can increase the risk of osteonecrosis in the femoral heads as well as within the humeral heads. This can result from damage to the vascularure in these portions of the bones as well as decalcification that can affect the strength of the bones. Some chemotherapy drugs can also affect blood vessels and bone strength and therefore lead to increased risk of necrosis.

Perhaps: Certain chemo and radiation can cause avn. Certain cancers and disease can as well. It is best to discuss this with your oncologist or internist.