MASCC/ISOO expert opinion on the management of oral problems in patients with advanced cancer

• DOI: 10.1007/s00520-022-07211-2
• Publication Date: 2022-06-18T22:02:39Z
• Authors: Jac A. Jones; Yanin Chavarri-Gu...; Luisa Barreto Cos...; David R. Dean; Joel B. Epstein; Eduardo R. Fregnani; Jiyeon Lee; Yuhei Matsuda; Valeria Mercadante; Ragnhild Elisabet...; Natasja J. H. Raj...; Deborah Saunders; Enrique Soto-Pere...; Mariana S. Sousa; Arghavan Tonkaboni; Arjan Vissink; Keng Soon Yeoh; Andrew N. Davies
• Keywords: Cancer of Unknown Primary Site; Pain medicine; Alternative medicine; FOS: Political science; XEROSTOMIA; Review Article; Guideline; FOS: Health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Anesthesiology; Neoplasms; Pathology; Anesthesia; Oral manifestations; Internal medicine; Political science; Cancer; Stomatitis*; Palliative Care; YEASTS; 3. Good health; Oncology; PALLIATIVE MEDICINE; Expert opinion; Pathobiology and Management of Mucositis in Cancer Therapy; Palliative care; Medicine; SALIVARY-GLAND HYPOFUNCTION; HEALTH; Clinical Practice Guidelines; Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine; Practice guideline; Evidence-based medicine; Family medicine; MEDLINE; CHLORHEXIDINE; 610; FOS: Law; Nursing; 03 medical and health sciences; Oral hygiene; XXXXXX - Unknown; Health Sciences; 617; Humans; Intensive care medicine; ARTIFICIAL SALIVA; Expert Testimony; Stomatitis; CARE; MOUTH; Epidemiology and Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer; PERSPECTIVES; Otorhinolaryngology; Neoplasms* / complications; Systematic review; Oral problems; Law; Systematic Reviews as Topic

Abstract

Purpose The Palliative Care Study Group in conjunction 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 in accordance with the MASCC Guidelines Policy. A search strategy for Medline was developed, 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 categorised 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), three 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 individualised management.