Oral health of long-term childhood cancer survivors

Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy Long-Term Adverse Effects on Oral Health of Childhood Cancer Survivors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

The survival rate for pediatric cancer has increased over the past few decades, short- and long-term complications have been detected and studied, and oral complications have emerged as an important topic of research. Here, we aimed to highlight the importance of oral manifestations that may only become apparent years or even decades after cancer treatment. This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis. We searched articles using PubMed via the MEDLINE, Web of Science, and LILACS databases until October 2023. Overall, 35 observational studies were included, and the results estimated a pooled prevalence of the following dental anomalies: discoloration, 53%; crown-root malformations and agenesis, 36%; enamel hypoplasia, 32%; root development alterations, 29%; unerupted teeth, 24%; microdontia, 16%; hypodontia, 13%; and macrodontia, 7%. Most childhood cancer survivors have at least one dental sequela. Childhood cancer survivors presented a higher risk of having dental alterations than control counterparts. Additional analyses reveal possible sex-based differences that should be explored in future studies. These results collectively highlight the importance of oral healthcare and the prevention of disease in childhood cancer survivors.

Dental caries and dental developmental defects as adverse effects of antineoplastic treatment in childhood cancer survivors

PURPOSE

To evaluate the prevalence of dental caries and dental developmental defects (DDD) in childhood cancer survivors (CCS) and identify disease and treatment-related risk factors.

METHODS

CCS aged up to 21 years, diagnosed with a malignancy before the age of 10 years and in remission for at least one year were included. Data were collected from patients' medical records and through a clinical examination where presence of dental caries and prevalence of DDD were recorded. Fisher's exact test was used to assess possible correlations and multivariate regression analysis to determine risk factors for defect development.

RESULTS

Seventy CCS with a mean chronological age of 11.2 years at the time of examination, mean age at cancer diagnosis of 4.17 years, and a mean post-treatment follow-up time of 5.48 years were included. Mean DMFT/dmft was 1.31, with 29% of survivors presenting with at least one carious lesion. Younger patients on the day of examination and patients treated with higher radiation dose, showed significantly higher prevalence of dental caries. The prevalence of DDD was 59%, with demarcated opacities being the defect most commonly observed (40%). Age at dental examination, diagnosis, age at diagnosis, and time that have elapsed since the end of treatment were the factors significantly affecting its prevalence. Regression analysis revealed that age at examination was the only factor significantly associated with the presence of coronal defects.

CONCLUSION

A great number of CCS presented with at least one carious lesion or a DDD, with the prevalence being significantly associated with various disease-specific characteristics, but age at dental examination the only significant predictor.

The prevalence of dental developmental anomalies among childhood cancer survivors according to types of anticancer treatment

Survival following childhood cancer has increased considerably. In an observational cross-sectional study, we assessed the prevalence of dental developmental anomalies (DDA) among childhood cancer survivors according to types of anticancer treatment. Permanent teeth were examined clinically and radiographically in 121 adolescents with a history of childhood malignancies, to identify DDA, namely hypomineralization or hypoplasia, microdontia, root changes and hypodontia. DDA were observed in 56/121 individuals (46%), in 309/3388 teeth (9%). Hypomineralization or hypoplasia of enamel appeared in 21 (17%) patients. Altered root development appeared in 26 patients and hypodontia affected 13 (10%). Dental anomalies were observed in 36 (43%) individuals who received chemotherapy and not radiation, in 20 (52%) who received radiotherapy, and in 15 (60%) of those who received head and neck radiotherapy. Among patients who received only chemotherapy, young age (6 years or younger) was associated with a higher number of malformed teeth. In conclusion, antineoplastic treatment that combines chemotherapy and radiotherapy appears to increase the risk of DDA. Radiation to the head and neck area was shown to particularly increase the risk of DDA. No specific chemotherapy agent was found to be associated more than the others with DDA.

Dental late effects of antineoplastic treatment on childhood cancer survivors: Radiographic findings

BACKGROUND

Dental anomalies are common late side effects of childhood cancer therapy and may lead to anatomical, functional, and aesthetic sequelae.

AIM

The study aimed to record dental late effects of antineoplastic treatment and associate them with disease and treatment characteristics in order to identify possible risk factors.

DESIGN

Orthopantomograms of 70 survivors aged 4-21 years, who were treated at ages 0-10 years for any type of malignancy and completed antineoplastic treatment at least one year before, were examined. Incidence of developmental disturbances was recorded. Their severity was calculated, and odds ratios for the development of severe defects were estimated.

RESULTS

Root defects presented in 62% of the participants, with impaired root growth being the most common (58%). Increased incidence was associated with combination treatment protocols, irradiation to the head and neck region, and administration of antimetabolites, steroids, and vincristine. Mean DeI value was 17.46 with risk factors for the development of severe root defects being diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, combination treatment protocols, administration of cyclophosphamide and steroids, and hemopoietic stem cell transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Root defects are common among childhood cancer survivors, with their incidence and severity being affected by multiple disease and treatment characteristics.

Late effects of chemo and radiation treatment on dental structures of childhood cancer survivors. A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

This systematic review summarizes the prevalence of dental defects after chemo and radiation therapy and correlates the findings with specific characteristics of each treatment modality.

METHODS

Database search was performed for studies reporting dental late effects of chemo and radiation therapy. After data extraction and risk of bias assessment, prevalence of crown and root defects was assessed. Correlations between each defect and the characteristics of the antineoplastic treatment were performed.

RESULTS

Sixteen nonrandomized studies were included, yielding a total of 1300 patients with a mean age at diagnosis of 4.5 years. Results reported that root defects were more common than crown defects. The most common root defect was impaired root growth and microdontia the most common crown defect. Age, radiation dose and field were statistically associated with higher prevalence of dental defects.

CONCLUSION

Defects were associated with combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, as used in current therapeutic antineoplastic modalities.

Dental caries among childhood cancer survivors

One of many possible complications of cancer therapy in children is enamel demineralization and such changes in the ion content of dental hard tissues may increase susceptibility to caries. The study aims to assess the prevalence of dental caries among childhood cancer survivors.A cross-sectional study was conducted on 225 children aged between 4 and 18 years, including 75 cancer patients and 150 sex- and age-matched controls. The cancer survivors were recruited from single pediatric oncology center. The control group was formed from students of randomly selected kindergartens and schools. Dental investigation was held between July 2013 and January 2016, approximately 5 years after the cessation of anticancer treatment (range: 6-155 months). The occurrence of dental caries was assessed with DMF/dmf index (showing the mean number of decayed, missing and filled permanent/deciduous teeth). Univariate statistical approach was performed and P-values < .05 were considered as statistically significant.The frequency of dental caries was comparable in both groups (85.4% vs 84%). However, the DMF index was higher in cancer patients than in controls: the median and interquartile ranges were 2 (0-4) vs 0 (0-2); P < .01. This correlates with duration of anticancer therapy (r = 0.26; P < .05). Moreover, children who had radiotherapy of the head and neck regions had significantly higher DMF scores than the ones who did not: 4.5 (1-6) vs 2 (0-4); P < .05. Socioeconomic and education status within family also has a significant impact on DMF scores in the cancer group. In conclusion, cancer patients, particularly those with a poor social background, should receive professional dental care as their caries process is more active than that of healthy peers.

A systematic review of dental late effects in survivors of childhood cancer

Survivors of childhood cancer are at risk for dental late effects. This systematic review summarizes associations between treatment exposures and dental late effects among survivors of childhood cancer. We included investigations with at least 20 study participants conducted for 2 or more years after completion of childhood, adolescent, or young adult cancer therapy. This review suggests both independent and additive effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy on dental complications, and identifies vulnerable groups with specific host and treatment characteristics. This summary provides information that will assist clinicians to prevent, detect, and facilitate early intervention for dental late effects.

Long-term effects of chemotherapy on dental status of children cancer survivors

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of chemotherapy on the dental and gingival health and dental disturbance parameters of children cancer survivors.

PROCEDURE

Thirty-eight children (mean age 12.2 ± 0.5 years) who underwent chemotherapy at 4.29 ± 1.71 years of age formed the study group. Forty age- and gender-matched healthy children with a similar socioeconomic background served as controls. Subjects' caries status (number of decayed, missing, or filled permanent teeth [DMF-T]) was recorded according to World Health Organization criteria. Subjects' periodontal status was recorded according to the community periodontal index system. Radiographic dental examination was used to analyze dental malformations.

RESULTS

DMF-T, D-T (number of decayed permanent teeth), and F-T (number of filled permanent teeth) were significantly higher in the study group compared to the controls (4.61 ± 3.71, 3.97 ± 4.45, respectively, and 0.58 ± 0.14 vs. 2.21 ± 1.01, 0.84 ± 1.82, and 1.18 ±1.07, respectively. The most frequent dental disturbances were root malformation (52.6%) and agenesis (47.4%).

CONCLUSIONS

According to our examination dental status of long-term survivors is worse than in controls. Hence proper oral hygiene for children cancer survivors (CCS) is critical. In order to meet the need for dental care in CCS health authorities are encouraged to revitalize the dental services Long-term follow-up of CCS is necessary to monitor their dental growth and oral health.

Late effects in survivors of tandem peripheral blood stem cell transplant for high-risk neuroblastoma

BACKGROUND

Increasing numbers of children with advanced neuroblastoma are achieving cure. We describe the clinical late effects specific to survivors of stage IV neuroblastoma all similarly treated using tandem autologous peripheral blood stem cell rescue with TBI.

METHOD

The medical records of 35 neuroblastoma patients treated at CHOP between 1997 and 2001 were examined. Eighteen of the 35 patients died of progressive disease, and 4 were lost to follow-up. Thirteen patients continue to follow-up in our Multidisciplinary Cancer Survivorship Clinic where they are evaluated and monitored by a consistent group of subspecialists that evaluate long-term sequelae. Data on treatment exposures including TBI and treatment related sequelae identified by clinician assessment and/or diagnostic testing were collected.

RESULTS

Results indicate late effects were present in all 13 subjects, 12 of whom suffered from multiple negative sequelae, including issues with growth hormone deficiency, dental problems, osteochondromas and hearing deficiencies, among others, most at higher rates than reported previously.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings in this small cohort indicate the need for future prospective studies of this intensive pediatric cancer treatment, and underscore the importance of medical intervention and long-term monitoring of these at-risk subjects to increase overall quality-of-life.

Speech-language and hearing complaints of children and adolescents with brain tumors

Central nervous system (CNS) tumors generally leave sequelae that may compromise speech, language, swallowing, hearing, and voice functions. This report describes the incidence of speech-language and hearing complaints and disorders in children and adolescents with CNS tumor under treatment at one of the most important Brazilian reference center for pediatric cancer. One-hundred ninety patients were examined for speech-pathology screening and analysis: forty-two percent presented with complaints and symptoms. From the remaining patients, 68% presented clinical symptoms and 32% were actually free from any speech-language and hearing-related symptoms. The high incidence of complaints and symptoms indicate that these patients might benefit from specific rehabilitation interventions.

Considerations in the pediatric population with cancer

This article is divided into three time periods according to the different phases of cancer treatment: pre, inter, and postcancer therapy. The purpose of dental protocols prior to cancer therapy and the incidence and management of acute and long term oral complications from cancer therapy in the pediatric population are discussed.

Long-term effects of chemotherapy on caries formation, dental development, and salivary factors in childhood cancer survivors

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of chemotherapy on oral health and dental development in childhood cancer survivors (CCS).

STUDY DESIGN

Ninety-six CCS patients with a mean age of 10.8 years and 96 healthy children of the same age and sex and social background composed the study group. The caries experience of the children was recorded according to the criteria of the World Health Organization, and plaque-gingival status was evaluated according to the Silness-Loe Index. The children were also investigated for stimulated salivary flow rate, buffer capacity, salivary mutans streptococci, and lactobacilli. Disturbances of enamel mineralization were recorded according to the index of developmental defects in dental enamel. Dental development disturbances were diagnosed on panoramic radiographs.

RESULTS

The caries experience, mutans streptococci, and lactobacilli colonization in CCS children were found significantly higher than in the healthy subjects (P < .05). White/cream colored opacities were the most frequent enamel mineralization disturbances (69.8 %). The occurrence of arrested root development with short V-shaped root malformation was significantly higher in CCS children than in the healthy subjects (P < .05). No statistically significant difference was found between group <or=5 years and >5 years.

CONCLUSION

This current investigation has shown that CCS children are at an increased risk of caries and developmental dental disturbances.

The late effects of childhood cancer therapy

In this article the difficulties that face survivors of childhood cancer therapy are presented, and the late effects of such therapy, separated into nonmalignant and malignant late effects, are discussed according to organ system. Recommendations for monitoring the late effects are set forth. A table listing radiation-therapy site and chemotherapeutic agents and selected late effects that result from their use is provided. Finally, a brief recommendation regarding the establishment of a late-effects clinic is also presented.