Osteoporosis, bone & mineral

The use of denosumab in rare bone diseases in adults: a systematic review from the ECTS Rare Bone Disease Action Group

J Clin Endocrinol MetabPublished Systematic review

Authors' conclusion

Denosumab is a feasible treatment in adults with RBDs when managed by multidisciplinary teams with knowledge of both the underlying disease and potential surgeries as well as the medical site of treatment. Denosumab discontinuation management is paramount to prevent recurrence and severe complications. The paucity of data supports the need for data collection through rare disease registries for future pertinent evidence-based recommendations.

Study context

Population
Adults with rare bone diseases (RBDs)
Outcome
Effects of denosumab in adults with RBDs
Methodological detailsTargeted evidence search for studies reporting denosumab use in RBDs in adults
  • Targeted evidence search for studies reporting denosumab use in RBDs in adults

Pooled result

As reported in the abstract

  • Denosumab may lead to pain reduction, lesion reduction, or bone formation
  • Dosage, schedules and duration varied; 120 mg monthly or every 3 months for almost 1 year reached the desired effect in most patients

Safety

Generally well tolerated; mild common side effects such as (asymptomatic) hypocalcemia and hypophosphatemia
Serious adverse effects such as osteonecrosis of the jaw or atypical femoral fractures rarely reported
Main concern: rebound effect after discontinuation, with disease recurrence in some cases

Original publication

The use of denosumab in rare bone diseases in adults: a systematic review from the ECTS Rare Bone Disease Action Group. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Published 7 April 2026. doi:10.1210/clinem/dgag154

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