It is essential for healthcare professionals involved in the care of patients with advanced cancer to have a good understanding of the principles of oral hygiene/care and knowledge of the evidence-based management of common oral problems.
However, research suggests oral problems are often not well-managed in patients with advanced cancer because of the lack of adequate assessment/re-assessment, diagnosis, and inappropriate treatment. Plus, there are no up-to-date, evidence-based guidelines on managing oral problems patients with advanced cancer in medical and dental literature.
In order to provide a framework for the management of common oral problems in patients with advanced cancer, the Palliative Care Study Group, in association with the Oral Care Study Group, of the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC), formed a sub-group to develop MASCC/ISOO (International Society of Oral Oncology) evidence-based guidance.
Abstract
Purpose The Palliative Care Study Group collaborating with the Oral Care Study Group of the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer (MASCC), formed a sub-group to develop evidence-based guidance on the management of common oral problems in patients with advanced cancer.
Methods This guidance was developed following the MASCC Guidelines Policy. A search strategy for Medline was created, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were explored for relevant reviews and trials, respectively. Guidance was categorized by the level of evidence, and “category of guideline” (i.e., “recommendation,” “suggestion,” or “no guideline possible”).
Results Twelve generic suggestions (level of evidence – 5), 3 problem-specific recommendations and 14 problem-specific suggestions were generated. The generic suggestions relate to oral hygiene measures, assessment of problems, principles of management, re-assessment of problems and the role of dental/oral medicine professionals.
Conclusions This guidance provides a framework for the management of common oral problems in patients with advanced cancer, although every patient requires individualized management.
