[Bisphosphonates in oncology: update 2007].

Bisphosphonates prevent bone complications induced by cancer. Their low toxicity promoted their extensive use supported by different international recommendations. However the prescription of these therapies is now seriously questioned because of their late and severe toxicity, the osteonecrosis of the jaw, and the growing efficiency of the oncologic therapies. No monitoring method is now available for bisphosphonates therapy. Therefore only a stricter selection of the patients, based on established and well-proven indications, as well as limitation of the administration durations could maintain an adequate risk/benefit ratio.