THE ROLE OF CONTINUOUS MONITORING IN ONCOLOGY PATIENTS RECEIVING RADIOTHERAPY OR CHEMOTHERAPY. REVIEW

Background: Oral cancer is a major public health problem worldwide and the prevention of oral cancer and its associated morbidity and mortality depends on early detection. Delayed diagnosis is a major contributor to the dismal oral cancer survival rate over five years.Currently, various monitoring methods have been actively used for the purpose of active early detection of asymptomatic oral cancer. This study provides an overview of the main concepts and principles of organizing continuous monitoring in oncology patients receiving radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Methods: This review was reported per the PRISMA guidelines and was conducted in publications covering scientific research on diagnostics, oral management protocols, prevention and monitoring in patients receiving radiotherapy, chemotherapy for malignant neoplasms in Medline, Scopus, Web of science, PubMed (search 162 which finally included 75 articles). Two review authors screened the results of the searches against inclusion criteria, extracted data and assessed risk of bias independently and in duplicate. Results: To prevent or minimize oral complications, an appropriate oncology protocol is needed which should include early oral assessment prior to treatment. Early recognition and diagnosis can improve patient survival and reduce morbidity. Conclusion: Continuous monitoring of patients with in primary care settings receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy may reduce oral complications and improve the effectiveness of combination therapy. To reduce the risk of complications in the oral cavity, it is very important to pre-treat existing oral diseases, and in this aspect, the cooperation of the dentist and oncologist as one team is very important. This review will help dental practitioners manage the risks and prevent potential complications in patients with oral complications requiring dental care