Complications and side effects of cancer therapy: How to prevent and treat

Topics related to oral complications and adverse effects caused by radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments will be discussed. Greater emphasis will be placed on oral mucositis, and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws and osteoradionecrosis. Dental team have an important role in the multidisciplinary supportive care of cancer patients. It is the dentist responsibility to understand and treat all the side effects and complications that affect the mouth during cancer treatment, as well as treat dental demands before, during and after treatment, with the main objective of preventing and promoting oral health.

Cancer treatment is by its very nature highly cytotoxic. In this way, cells and tissues are affected in different ways and patients may experience different reactions and adverse effects. The mouth is a site often affected in treatment and therefore the dentist should be involved in preventing and treating possible complications, before, during and after the end of cancer treatment.