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

Abstract

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.

Keywords: antineoplastic therapy; childhood cancer survivors; combined chemo and radiation therapy; dental defects; late effects.