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Case Reports
. 2024 Sep 28;32(10):693.
doi: 10.1007/s00520-024-08872-x.

Bridging the gap - Establishing a dental-oncology service in a cancer centre

Harriet Byrne  1 , Claire Curtin  2 , Catherine S Weadick  3   4 , Rícheal Ní Riordáin  2 , Seamus O'Reilly  3   4
Affiliations
Case Reports

Bridging the gap - Establishing a dental-oncology service in a cancer centre

Harriet Byrne et al. Support Care Cancer. .

Abstract

Dental disease remains the most common non-communicable disease worldwide. It predisposes patients to significant morbidities following bone modifying agents or radiation therapy to the head and neck. Preventative dental regimes effectively reduce the risk of both medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) and osteoradionecrosis (ORN) in these patients. Co-ordination of routine dental care as a component of mainstream oncology treatment optimises long term outcomes for oncology patients. This case series offers insights into patient, institutional and social difficulties that challenge the dental-oncology interface. These obstacles and subsequent resolutions experienced whilst establishing a dental-oncology service in a cancer centre highlight the importance of effective multidisciplinary lead care for oncology patients. It reinforces the need for structured, supported dental pathways for these oncology patients.

Keywords: Bone modifying agents; Dental-oncology service; Head and neck radiation therapy; Multidisciplinary.

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Conflict of interest statement

Authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Summary of pre-existing MRONJ exacerbation factors (smoking and severe periodontal disease), and a high dental treatment need
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
A summary of the social and dental factors is depicted in Case 5. Routine dental examinations prior to BMA treatment are important to identify dental disease alongside mucosal examination and oral cancer screening
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Illustration highlighting the range of challenges that face patients and dental-oncology teams for patients receiving BMAs. The diagram below depicts a flow chart for patients at risk of MRONJ and the barriers to care
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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