J Clin Exp Dent. 2011;3(1):e31-42.

Dental treatment in chemotherapy.

Journal section: Oral Medicine and Pathology doi:10.4317/jced.3.e31

Publication Types: Review

Dental treatment considerations in the chemotherapy patient

Begonya Chaveli López, Carmen Gavaldá Esteve, Mª Gracia Sarrión Pérez.

Valencia University Dental School, Valencia, Spain

Correspondence:
Apdo. de correos 24
46740 Carcaixent, Valencia, España
E-mail: begonya_chaveli@hotmail.com

Received: 01/06/2010
Accepted: 21/11/2010 Chaveli López B, Gavaldá Esteve C, Sarrión Pérez MG. Dental
treatment considerations in the chemotherapy patient. J Clin Exp Dent.
2011;3(1):e31-42.
http://www.medicinaoral.com/odo/volumenes/v3i1/jcedv3i1p31.pdf

Article Number: 50318 http://www.medicinaoral.com/odo/indice.htm

© Medicina Oral S. L. C.I.F. B 96689336 - eISSN: 1989-5488
eMail: jced@jced.es

Abstract
Cancer patients can suffer oral toxic effects secondary to antineoplastic therapy in the form of radiotherapy and/
or chemotherapy. This risk is conditioned by a range of factors, including the high cell turnover rate of the oral
mucosa, the diversity and complexity of the oral microflora, and soft tissue trauma during normal oral function. The
present study offers a literature review of the main oral complications secondary to chemotherapy, and describes
the different options for dental treatment before, during and after oncological treatment, published in the scientific
literature. To this effect a PubMed-Medline® search was made using the following keywords: chemotherapy, can-
cer therapy, dental management, oral mucositis, neurotoxicity, intravenous bisphosphonates and jaw osteonecrosis.
The search was limited to human studies published in the last 10 years in English or Spanish. A total of 50 articles
were identified: 17 research papers, 25 reviews, 6 letters to the Editor, and two clinical guides developed by expert
committees. The data obtained showed the main oral complications of chemotherapy to be mucositis, neurotoxici-
ty, susceptibility to infections, dental, salivary and taste alterations, and the development of osteonecrosis. Based
on the reviewed literature, elective dental treatment can be provided before chemotherapy, with emphasis on the
elimination of infectious foci. During chemotherapy, dental treatment should be limited to emergency procedures,
while dental treatment of any kind can be prescribed after chemotherapy – with special considerations in the case
of patients who have received treatment with intravenous bisphosphonates.

Key words: Chemotherapy, cancer treatment, dental treatment, oral mucositis, neurotoxicity, jaw osteonecrosis,
intravenous bisphosphonates.

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J Clin Exp Dent. 2011;3(1):e31-42. Dental treatment in chemotherapy.

Introduction most commonly used in head and neck malignancies are

Anticancer chemotherapy currently involves the use of bleomycin, cisplatin, methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil, vin-
drugs (cytostatic or cytotoxic agents) that avoid prolife- blastine and cyclophosphamide (2).
ration of the tumor cells and/or cause their destruction,
taking advantage of the characteristically shortened cell Etiopathogenesis: cytostatic drug toxicity
cycle of these cells. The main problem posed by such Antineoplastic drugs can act upon the different tissues ei-
treatment is the lack of selectivity of most antineoplastic ther directly or indirectly. The direct side effects of such
drug substances, since they also act upon normal cells drugs start with the primary oral tissue damage caused
with an accelerated cell cycle, such as bone marrow by their indiscriminate effect upon the cell replication
cells, hair follicle cells and the epithelial cells of the cycle, such as for example in the oral mucosa, where
gastrointestinal tract (1). The chemotherapeutic agents these cytotoxic agents destroy the proliferating basal

TYPE OF
AUTHOR ARTICLE NAME JOURNAL YEAR
ARTICLE
Decrease of duration and symptoms in chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis by topical
Hejna et al. Eur J Cancer. 2001 RCT
GM-CSF: results of a prospective randomised trial.
Dental abnormalities in children after chemotherapy treatment for acute lymphoid
Minicucci et al. Leuk Res. 2003 Case series
leukemia.
Grunberg et al. Incidence of chemotherapy-induced nausea and emesis after modern antiemetics. Cancer. 2004 Cohort
J Oral
Bisphosphonate-induced exposed bone (osteonecrosis/osteopetrosis) of the jaws: risk
Marx et al. Maxillofac 2005 Case series
factors, recognition, prevention, and treatment.
Surg.
Sepúlveda Oral ulcers in children under chemotherapy: clinical characteristics and their relation with Med Oral Patol Cross-
2005
et al. Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 and Candida Albicans. Oral Cir Bucal. sectional
Osteonecrosis of the jaw in cancer after treatment with bisphosphonates: incidence and
Bamias et al. J Clin Oncol. 2005 Case series
risk factors.
López-Galindo Clinical evaluation of dental and periodontal status in a group of oncological patients Med Oral Patol
2006 Case-control
et al. before chemotherapy. Oral Cir Bucal.
J Oral
Oral bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis: risk factors, prediction of risk using serum
Marx et al. Maxillofac 2007 Case series
CTX testing, prevention, and treatment.
Surg.
The Impact of low power laser in the treatment of conditioning-induced oral mucositis: A Med Oral Patol
Antunes et al. 2008 Case series
report of 11 clinical cases and their review. Oral Cir Bucal.
Actas
Hueso et al. Chemotherapy-induced acral erythema: a clinical and histopathologic study of 44 cases 2008 Case series
Dermosifiliogr.
Boonyapakorn Bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis of the jaws: prospective study of 80 patients with
Oral Oncol. 2008 Cohort
et al. multiple myeloma and other malignancies.
Oral Surg
Oral mucosal lesions, microbial changes, and taste disturbances induced by adjuvant Oral Med Oral
Jensen et al. 2008 Case-control
chemotherapy in breast cancer patients. Pathol Oral
Radiol Endod.
Decreased occurrence of osteonecrosis of the jaw after implementation of dental
Ripamonti
preventive measures in solid tumour patients with bone metastases treated with Ann Oncol. 2009 Case series
et al.
bisphosphonates. The experience of the National Cancer Institute of Milan.
Osteonecrosis of the jaws by intravenous bisphosphonates and osteorradionecrosis: a
Bagan et al. Med Oral. 2009 Case series
comparative study.
Dimopoulos Reduction of osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) after implementation of preventive measures Practice
Ann Oncol. 2009
et al. in patients with multiple myeloma treated with zoledronic acid. Guideline
Efficacy of a spray compound containing a pool of collagen precursor synthetic
Int J
aminoacids (l-proline, l-leucine, l-lysine and glycine) combined with sodium
Colella et al. Immunopathol 2010 Clinical Trial
hyaluronate to manage chemo/radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis: preliminary data of an
Pharmacol.
open trial.
Zoledronate inhibits endothelial cell adhesion, migration and survival through the J Thromb
Hasmim et al. 2007 Clinical Trial
suppression of multiple, prenylation-dependent signaling pathways. Haemost.
Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (BRONJ): run dental management Practice
Campisi et al. Ann Oncol. 2007
designs and issues in diagnosis. Guideline
Recomendaciones para la prevención de la osteonecrosis de los maxilares (ONM) en Med Oral Patol Practice
Bagán et al. 2008
pacientes con cáncer tratados con bisfosfonatos intravenosos. Oral Cir Bucal. Guideline
Oral Surg
Oral pathoses caused by Candida albicans during chemotherapy: update on development Oral Med Oral
Bunetel et al. 1996 Review
mechanisms. Pathol Oral
Radiol Endod.
e32
J Clin Exp Dent. 2011;3(1):e31-42. Dental treatment in chemotherapy.

Raber- Support Care

Periodontal infection in cancer patients treated with high-dose chemotherapy. 2002 Review
Durlacher et al. Cancer.
Oral Surg
The role of salivary function in modulating chemotherapy-induced oropharyngeal Oral Med Oral
Epstein et al. 2002 Review
mucositis: a review of the literature. Pathol Oral
Radiol Endod.
Lancet Infect
Donnelly et al. Antimicrobial therapy to prevent or treat oral mucositis. 2003 Review
Dis.
Caribé-Gomes
Dental management of the complications of radio and chemotherapy in oral cancer. Med Oral. 2003 Review
et al.
Barasch et al. Risk factors for ulcerative oral mucositis in cancer patients: unanswered questions. Oral Oncol. 2003 Review
Cochrane
Clarkson et al. Interventions for treating oral candidiasis for patients with cancer receiving treatment. Database Syst 2004 Review
Rev.
Jimenez- Med Oral Patol
Bisphosphonates, as a new cause of drug-induced jaw osteonecrosis: An update. 2005 Letter
Soriano et al. Oral Cir Bucal.
Eur J Oncol
Stone et al. Management of oral mucositis in patients with cancer. 2005 Review
Nurs.
Managing the care of patients with bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis: an American J Am Dent
Migliorati et al. 2005 Review
Academy of Oral Medicine position paper. Assoc.
López-Castaño Measurement of secondary mucositis to oncohematologic treatment by means of different Med Oral Patol
2005 Review
et al. scale. Review. Oral Cir Bucal.
Durie et al. Osteonecrosis of the jaw and bisphosphonates. N Engl J Med. 2005 Letter
Keim RG. Bisphosphonates in orthodontics. J Clin Orthod. 2006 Letter
Ann Intern
Woo et al. Narrative [corrected] review: bisphosphonates and osteonecrosis of the jaws. 2006 Review
Med.
Bisphosphonate osteonecrosis of the jaws; an increasing problem for the dental
McLeod et al. Br Dent J. 2007 Review
practitioner.
Am J Orthod
Zahrowski JJ. Bisphosphonate treatment: an orthodontic concern calling for a proactive approach. Dentofacial 2007 Review
Orthop.
Bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaw: report of a task force of the J Bone Miner
Khosla et al. 2007 Letter
American Society for Bone and Mineral Research. Res.
Critical review: updated recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of Crit Rev Oncol
Weitzman et al. 2007 Review
osteonecrosis of the jaw in cancer patients--May 2006. Hematol.
Ruggiero et al. Osteonecrosis of the jaws and bisphosphonate therapy. J Dent Res. 2007 Review
Landis et al. Osteonecrosis of the jaws: maxillofacial recommendations for bisphosphonate prescribers. J Intern Med. 2007 Letter
Oral Surg
Relationship between mucositis and changes in oral microflora during cancer Oral Med Oral
Napeñas et al. 2007 Review
chemotherapy. Pathol Oral
Radiol Endod.
The role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in cancer treatment-induced alimentary tract Cancer Treat
Logan et al. 2007 Review
mucositis: pathobiology, animal models and cytotoxic drugs. Rev.
Keefe et al. Updated clinical practice guidelines for the prevention and treatment of mucositis. Cancer. 2007 Review
Dent Clin
Lalla et al. Management of oral mucositis in patients who have cancer. 2008 Review
North Am.
Flichy-
Med Oral Patol
Fernández Bisphosphonates and dental implants: current problems. 2009 Review
Oral Cir Bucal.
et al.
Dental management of patients at risk of osteochemonecrosis of the jaws: a critical
Fedele et al. Oral Dis. 2009 Review
review.
Silverman et al.Osteonecrosis of the jaw and the role of bisphosphonates: a critical review. Am J Med. 2009 Review
Osteonecrosis of the jaws in intravenous bisphosphonate use: Proposal for a modification
Bagan et al. Oral Oncol. 2009 Letter
of the clinical classification.
Osteonecrosis of the jaws in patients treated with intravenous bisphosphonates (BRONJ):
Bagan et al. Oral Oncol. 2009 Review
A concise update.
Support Care
Hong et al. A systematic review of dental disease in patients undergoing cancer therapy. 2010 Review
Cancer.
Raber-
Oral mucositis. Oral Oncol. 2010 Review
Durlacher et al.
Table 1. Articles evaluated. //RCT: Randomized Controlled Trial.

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J Clin Exp Dent. 2011;3(1):e31-42. Dental treatment in chemotherapy.

cells of the mucosal layer. Replacement or turnover of oral mucosa, tongue, soft palate and the pharyngeal mu-
the cells lost and desquamated in the more superficial cosa are the most affected areas.
layers of the mucosa is thus adversely affected, resul- Mucositis
ting in mucosal ulceration (1). The indirect side effects Mucositis is an inflammatory reaction of the mucosal
in turn are caused by non-oral actions that have a colla- membranes secondary to antineoplastic treatments such
teral impact upon the oral cavity, such as bone marrow as radiotherapy (in 80% of the cases) and chemotherapy
suppression, the loss of tissue immune cells, and the loss as treatment for solid tumors or lymphomas (in approxi-
of salivary protective elements. mately 40-50%, particularly with the cytostatic agent
5-fluorouracil) or as conditioning treatment for bone ma-
General side effects of chemotherapy rrow transplantation (in over 75% of the patients)(5-7).
Some of the most frequent side effects of chemotherapy Mucositis is regarded as a manifestation of leukopenia.
are bone marrow suppression, resulting in leukopenia The mechanism by which mucositis develops is not
(observable in peripheral blood towards day 10 after the clear, though it is generally attributed to the fact that the
start of chemotherapy), thrombocytopenia (after 10-14 oral mucosal cells have a relatively high mitotic rate,
days) and anemia (less frequent and slower in develo- thereby establishing them as targets of the action of
ping). Other common effects are nausea and vomiting, cytostatic agents (5,8,9). Diseases such as diabetes and
hair loss (alopecia), and hand-foot syndrome (clinically cardiovascular disorders have been described as possi-
characterized by painful, symmetrical erythema of the ble risk factors, though no direct relationship has been
palms and soles, often preceded by paresthesias in the found (10). According to Logan et al. (2007), there are
affected zones)(3,4). Most of the side effects gradually 5 stages in the clinical mucosal changes that give rise to
disappear after the end of treatment, though in some mucositis: initiation; over-regulation and the production
cases permanent damage may be observed at cardiac of mediators; signaling and amplification; ulceration;
(myocardiopathy), pulmonary (fibrosis), renal (chronic and healing (Fig. 1)(9). This hypothesis underscores the
renal failure) or reproductive level (sterility). role of transcription factors and proinflammatory cytoki-
nes in the development of mucositis (9).
Material and methods Mucositis usually appears 4-7 days after the start of high-
The present study offers a literature review of the main dose chemotherapy, and is of a self-limiting nature (pro-
oral complications secondary to chemotherapy, and des- vided overinfection does not occur). It in turn disappears
cribes the different options for dental treatment before, 2-4 weeks after the conclusion of cytotoxic chemothe-
during and after oncological treatment, published in the rapy (11). The drugs most often associated with the
scientific literature. To this effect a PubMed-Medline® development of mucositis are doxorubicin, bleomycin,
search was made using the following keywords: chemo- fluorouracil and methotrexate (12). Clinically, the con-
therapy, cancer therapy, dental management, oral mu- dition manifests as erythema, edema or ulceration, with
cositis, neurotoxicity, intravenous bisphosphonates and severe pain, bleeding and potential side effects such as
jaw osteonecrosis. The search was limited to human stu- xerostomia, the risk of both local (overinfection due to
dies published in the last 10 years in English or Spanish. Candida) and systemic infection, malnutrition, fatigue,
The titles and summaries / abstracts of the identified ar- dental caries and gastrointestinal disorders over time
ticles were analyzed, with the selection of a total of 48 (5). Because of these complications, in some cases the
publications. After compiling the information on each of patient may require parenteral nutrition and even potent
them, two additional articles were added, in view of their analgesics, administered in the hospital setting (8,9,12).
relevance: one predating the mentioned 10-year period, Different methods have been developed for measuring
and the other not indexed in the database. A total of 50 and quantifying the changes occurring in the oral mu-
articles were thus evaluated: 17 research papers (4 clini- cosa, including general scales, multiple-variable scales
cal trials, 2 cohort studies, 2 case-control publications, 8 and treatment specific scales (8). The currently most
case series, and one cross-sectional study), 25 reviews, widely used scale is that of the World Health Organi-
6 letters to the Editor, and two clinical guides developed zation (WHO), based on the identification of erythema
by expert committees (Table 1). at exploration and the degree of patient discomfort or
pain (5).
Results Regarding the prevention and treatment of mucositis,
1. Oral side effects of chemotherapy studies have been made with different agents (sucralfate,
The most common oral complications observed after chlorhexidine, povidone iodine, doxepin, benzidamine,
chemotherapy are mucositis, infections, neurological cryotherapy, low-energy laser, etc.), though none have
and dental alterations, dysgeusia, hyposialia and xeros- been shown to prevent the disorder (6,13). Donelly et al.
tomia (dry mouth), bleeding tendency, and the develo- (2003) carried out a systematic review in which 42% of
pment of osteonecrosis. The soft tissues of the lips, the the published studies (13 articles) reported that the ad-
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Fig.1. Diagram illustrating mucosal and clinical changes that occur leading to mucositis according to the current hypothesis. The five over-
lapping stages are demonstrated (1) initiation; (2) upregulation and message generation; (3) signalling and amplification; (4) ulceration; (5)
healing. Figure belongs to article made by Logan et al. (9).

ministration of antimicrobial agents offers some benefit firmly establish its usefulness (17).
in relation to the symptoms of mucositis (14). Howe- Oral infections
ver, Clarkson et al. (2004), in a Cochrane review of 27 Dental treatment prior to the start of cytoreductive the-
publications, found that among 8 prophylactic agents rapy substantially reduces the risk of severe infections
used to obtain relief from mucositis, crushed ice yiel- (1,5). The main infectious processes are the following:
ded the best results (15). Posteriorly, Keefe et al. (2007) 1. Bacterial infections: These are usually caused by
published an update on the clinical guides for the pre- gramnegative organisms. Signs of inflammation may
vention and treatment of oral and gastrointestinal mu- be masked as a result of the underlying bone marrow
cositis (16). The currently most widely used treatment suppression; consequently, oral hygiene protocols that
is the use of 2% lidocaine rinses in combination with reduce microbial colonization of the dentition and perio-
0.12-0.2% chlorhexidine during 30 seconds, every three dontium are important during the period of bone marrow
or four hours. Colella et al. (2010) have suggested that suppression. During oncological treatment, and particu-
the frequent application of a spray consisting of synthe- larly in patients with advanced-stage malignancies, it is
tic collagen precursor amino acids in combination with common to observe poorer oral hygiene, and thus an in-
sodium hyaluronate can offer rapid and effective pain re- creased presence of dental plaque (18). In the study pu-
lief, and contributes to mucosal healing – though further blished by López-Galindo et al. (2006), increased dental
randomized and controlled studies are needed to more plaque was observed, along with more caried and mis-
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sing teeth, among oncological patients prior to treatment pes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV)
- though the modified periodontal index was similar in and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are the result of the reac-
both the oncological patients and controls (1). Patients tivation of a latent virus, while infections due to cytome-
with previous dental and periodontal diseases eliminated galovirus (CMV) can result from the reactivation of a
before the start of oncological therapy and subjected to latent virus or from a recently acquired virus (20).
intensive dental care during therapy show a significant Infection due to HSV: The severity of the lesions increa-
reduction in the frequency of oral complications associa- ses drastically with the degree of immune suppression.
ted to chemotherapy (1,19). Teeth with an unfavorable The HSV lesions are more diffuse but less painful than
prognosis should be removed at least 10 days before the those associated with radiotherapy. Moreover, recurrent
start of chemotherapy (20). intraoral HSV infection may present ulcerations of mu-
2. Fungal infections: Bone marrow suppression, oral cosal areas not adhered to periosteum (i.e., soft palate
mucosal lesions and salivary alterations contribute to the and tongue)(20). The incidence of oral lesions due to
development of Candida albicans infection (18). The recurrent HSV infections in bone marrow-suppressed
most common presentations are pseudomembranous cancer patients has decreased considerably following
candidiasis, followed by erythematous candidiasis. The the introduction of prophylactic aciclovir at a dose of
treatment of these conditions involves the use of topical 800 mg/day, beginning on day four after the start of
and/or systemic antifungal agents (Table 2) complemen- chemotherapy. In patients without antiviral prophylaxis,
ted with an antiseptic (chlorhexidine). The latter should the oral lesions generally appear simultaneously with
be used at least 30 minutes before or after nystatin, since chemotherapy or chemo-radiotherapy during the period
the combination of both may prove ineffective. In the of most intense immune suppression. The treatment of
case of more severe infections, the recommendation is a HSV infection consists of the administration of 400-800
systemic antifungal such as fluconazole or ketoconazole. mg of aciclovir via the oral route 5 times a day or of 5-10
The efficacy of such treatment is limited, and resistances mg/kg via the intravenous route every 8-12 hours, for as
may appear. In such cases intravenous amphotericin B long as the lesions persist.
or itraconazole via the oral route at a dose of 200-400 Infection due to VZV: Immune compromised patients
mg/day tend to be the drugs of choice. may present involvement of several dermatomes, or
3. Viral infections: In most cases, infections due to her- alternatively the lesions may show a more generalized

TYPE OF
ADMINIS- DRUG NAME DOSE DOSAGE DURATION
TRATION
100.000
Nystatin Mycostatin® I.U./cc 4-6 times/day 30 days
Topical rinses
Daktarin® gel 100 mg
Miconazole 4 times/day 30 days
Fungisdin® gel gel
ORAL 150 mg
Fluconazole Diflucan® 1 time/day 3 weeks
CANDIDIASIS orally
Fungarest® 200-
Ketoconazole Ketoisdin® 400 mg 1 time/day 3 weeks
Systemic Panfungol® orally
Canadiol® 200-
Itraconazole Hongoseril® 400 mg 1 time/day 30 days
Spranox® orally
0,4-0,6
Intravenous AmphotericinB Ambisome® 1 time/day 30 days
mg/kg
SEVERE IMMUNE LESS SEVERE IMMUNE
RESISTANCES
COMPROMISED COMPROMISED
- Aciclovir 800mg orally/ 5 times
VZV per day/ 5-7 days.
- Aciclovir intravenously 5-10 - Famciclovir 500mg orally/ 3 times - Foscarnet intravenously
mg/Kg 3 times/day during 5 days. per day/ 7 days. 40mg/kg/3 times per day.
- Valaciclovir 1000mg orally/ 3
times per day/ 7 days.
VZV: varicella-zoster virus; I.U.: international units; cc: cubic centimeter.
Table 2. Treatment of oral candidiasis and infection due to VZV in the chemotherapy patient.
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distribution, generally manifesting several weeks after As a result, patients should drink abundant water and use
the interruption of chemotherapy – in contrast to the sugar-free sweets or chewing gum to increase salivation.
situation with HSV. A number of antiviral agents are In more moderate cases, sialogogues such as pilocarpi-
used as treatment, depending on the degree of immune ne, bromhexine or bethanechol can be used.
suppression of the patient and the resistances to these Alterations in dental growth and development
drugs (Table 2). Unlike radiotherapy, which only affects the cells within
Infection due to CMV and EBV: Lesions produced by the irradiated zone, chemotherapy has a systemic effect.
CMV are characterized by the presence of multiple mild As a result, the developing odontogenic cells are sus-
or moderate ulcerations with irregular margins. The ini- ceptible to chemotherapy, even when far removed from
tial lesions appear during the first periods of bone ma- the tumor site. Minicucci et al. (2003) detected delays
rrow regeneration and are characterized by nonspecific in dental development, hypoplasia and microdontia in
pseudomembranous ulcers covered by a fibrin exudate children receiving chemotherapy (22).
with a granulomatous base. At present, ganciclovir is the Bleeding tendency
treatment of choice for acute CMV infection. The risk Bleeding is due to alterations resulting from throm-
of EBV infection usually manifests months after the in- bocytopenia (in turn a consequence of bone marrow
terruption of myeloablative therapy used for transplant aplasia). Clinically, patients my present petechiae, ec-
conditioning. chymosis, hematomas or diffuse bleeding. Rinses with
Neurotoxicity 0.12% chlorhexidine avoid overinfection and can help
A number of chemotherapeutic agents such as vincristi- eliminate the traces of blood, though caution is requi-
ne and vinblastine are able to cause direct neurotoxicity. red in order not to alter the clots, since this could lead
Patients may experience deep and palpitating mandibu- to further bleeding. In the presence of platelet counts of
lar pain that tends to subside one week after concluding under 50,000/mm3, tooth extractions or dental surgery
chemotherapy. A correct anamnesis is required, together should not be performed, while counts of under 20,000
with oral exploration and an X-ray study in order to dis- platelets/mm3 are associated with spontaneous bleeding
tinguish such pain from pain of pulp origin. In some ca- – particularly in patients with previous gingivitis. The
ses, dental hypersensitivity may appear weeks or months treatments of choice in the event of bleeding comprise
after the end of chemotherapy; in these cases, the topical the use of vasoconstrictors such as topical epinephrine,
application of fluoride or the use of a desensitizing too- mucoadherent tissue protectors such as the cyanoacryla-
thpaste may help lessen the symptoms. tes (which seal the bleeding sites and protect the formed
Dysgeusia clots), and procoagulating agents such as topical throm-
During chemotherapy, patients may experience an un- bin or hemostatic collagen, which organize and stabilize
pleasant metallic taste due to diffusion of the chemo- the blood clots. The risk of infection or bleeding in these
therapeutic agent into the oral cavity. Dysgeusia as such patients persists for the duration of the effect of the cyto-
initially manifests a few weeks after starting cytotoxic toxic drugs administered in each chemotherapy session.
treatment, and is generally reversible within a few wee- Osteonecrosis
ks. The CMF (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate and Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) is observed in patients
5-fluorouracil) and CEF protocol agents (cyclophospha- treated with bisphosphonates (BPs). These drugs inhibit
mide, epirubicin and 5-fluorouracil), and their derivati- bone resorption and are administered via the intravenous
ves, can be detected in saliva for days after the infusion route as treatment in application to bone metastases in
(18). Dysgeusia is an important symptoms in these pa- cancer patients, in malignant hypercalcemia (tumor-
tients, since apart from the direct neurotoxic effect upon induced hypercalcemia), or in patients with multiple
the gustatory cells, it is reinforced by other factors such myeloma – affording improved survival and quality of
as xerostomia, infections, and the psychological condi- life (23). Although much less commonly, ONJ has also
tions of the patient (21). been observed in patients receiving treatment with oral
Hyposialia and xerostomia bisphosphonates (used for the prevention and treatment
Hyposialia, attributable to the effect of chemotherapy of osteoporosis and in certain bone conditions such as
upon the cells of the salivary glands, is transient and Paget’s disease). The intravenous BPs most associated
reversible. It appears particularly with the use of adria- with ONJ are zoledronic acid (Zometa®) and pamidro-
mycin, and can cause oral functional problems, espe- nate (Aredia®).
cially in relation to speech and mastication. These pa- The precise incidence of ONJ in cancer patients is not
tients show alterations in the salivary components, with known, since the figures differ according to the literature
an increase in the levels of peroxidase and amylase, a source (0.8%-12%)(24-26). Recent studies such as those
reduction in total secreted immunoglobulins A and G, published by Bagán et al. (2009) suggest an incidence
and the presence of the chemotherapeutic drug itself. All of 1-3% among oncological patients receiving treatment
these factors favor the development of mucositis (21). with intravenous bisphosphonates (27). Although these
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STAGING
CLINICAL MANIFESTATIONS TREATMENT
CLASSIFICATION
Exposed bone necrosis or small oral
Rinses with 0.12%
STAGE 1 ulceration without exposed bone necrosis,
chlorhexidine and checkup.
but without symptoms.
Exposed bone necrosis or a small oral fistula
Rinses with 0.12%
without exposed bone necrosis, but with
STAGE 2A chlorhexidine, antibiotic,
Symptoms controlled with medical
analgesics and checkup.
treatment.
Rinses with 0.12%
Exposed bone necrosis or a small oral
chlorhexidine, antibiotic,
fistula without exposed bone necrosis, but
STAGE 2B analgesics and surgery with
with symptoms not controlled with medical
removal of the zone of bone
treatment.
necrosis.
Rinses with 0.12%
chlorhexidine, antibiotic,
Jaw fractures, skin fistula, osteolysis
STAGE 3 analgesics and extensive
extending to the inferior border.
surgery with resection of
bone.

Table 3. Staging classification and treatment of osteonecrosis of the jaws by bisphosphonates. In the case of normal
flora for 15 days, it is recommended the use of amoxicillin/clavunate, doxycicline or azytromycin as antibiotic of
choice.
estimations point to a low percentage of ONJ, an increa- cation used up to that time (30). Table 3 describes the
sing number of cases are being detected, and the figu- different clinical stages and corresponding treatments.
res can be expected to continue to increase in the future Although the clinical manifestations are usually suffi-
(23,27). ONJ tends to appear after invasive dental ma- cient to establish the diagnosis, in those cases where do-
nipulation, particularly after tooth extraction – the latter ubts exist regarding the differential diagnosis between
being the most important triggering factor in the deve- ONJ and bone metastasis, a biopsy is advisable. Other
lopment of ONJ (23,24,26-30). Habits such as smoking complementary diagnostic tests are culture of the ex-
and alcohol consumption have been more closely related posed zone and definition of the corresponding antibio-
to the development of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) than gram, together with a panoramic X-ray and computed
to ONJ. In the study published by Bagán et al. (2009), tomography study (27). Another technique subject to
22.6% of the patients who developed ONJ were smokers, discussion is the evaluation of the serum concentrations
versus 60% of the patients with ORN (29). of CTX (collagen fragments that are freed during bone
In 2008, a national expert committee with the repre- remodeling and turnover), since BPs reduce these con-
sentation of maxillofacial surgeons, stomatologists and centrations. It is therefore believed that CTX determina-
odontologists, established a series of recommendations tion may be a reliable risk marker, though a number of
on how to conduct oral revisions, defining those dental studies have found no statistically significant relations-
treatments that should be carried out before and during hip between the serum levels of CTX and the number
treatment with intravenous bisphosphonates (23). The of areas of exposed necrotic bone or magnitude of ONJ
diagnostic criteria for ONJ established by these experts (27,34).
were: patients receiving or having received treatment Since the treatment of ONJ is often unsatisfactory, ma-
with BPs; the presence of one or more ulcerated mu- nagement should aim to afford pain relief, control soft
cosal lesion of the alveolar processes, with or without tissue and bone infection, and avoid or reduce the pro-
the exposure of maxillary or mandibular bone; exposed gression of bone necrosis (28,35).
bone presenting a necrotic appearance; lesions presen- 2. Dental treatment before, during and after chemothe-
ting spontaneously or after dentoalveolar surgery (par- rapy
ticularly extractions); and the absence of healing over a All oncological patients should visit the dentist before
period of at least 6 weeks. receiving radiotherapy, chemotherapy or both, since the
Clinically, ONJ is typically characterized by pain (pro- severity of the oral complications can be significantly
gressive and sustained, and sometimes requiring impor- reduced if a prior intensive strategy is applied to secure
tant analgesic doses to secure control – the patient being stabilized oral hygiene.
asymptomatic in the early stages)(30-33). In order to Treatment before chemotherapy
establish and plan the treatment of ONJ, Bagán et al. Before chemotherapy, the dentist should consult the on-
(2009) proposed a modification of the staging classifi- cologist to determine the current condition of the patient
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J Clin Exp Dent. 2011;3(1):e31-42. Dental treatment in chemotherapy.

TREATMENT BEFORE TREATMENT DURING TREATMENT AFTER

CHEMOTHERAPY CHEMOTHERAPY CHEMOTHERAPY
− The dentist should consult the − The oncologist should be consulted in − The dentist should consult the
oncologist to determine the current order to know the degree of immune oncologist to determine immune
condition of the patient and the type suppression of the patient. competence.
of treatment planned.

− Exhaustive examination of the oral − Treatment of the complications − Insist on the need for routine
cavity: discard periapical lesions of chemotherapy (mucositis, systematic oral hygiene.
and/or bone alterations, and the xerostomia…).
evaluation of periodontal health. − Use of chlorhexidine rinses and
fluorization.
− Denture fitting should be checked,
with readjustment or removal
of those prostheses that prove
traumatic.

− Radiological study: intraoral

(periapical and bitewing) and
panoramic.

− General prophylactic measures: tartar − Continued patient reminder of the

removal, dental fluorization and need to maintain strict dental hygiene
rinses with 0.12% chlorhexidine. is indicated, with the added use of
chlorhexidine rinses and fluorization.

− The patient should be informed of − Analgesics: paracetamol/metamizol.

the complications of treatment.
− NO NSAID.

− Antibiotics: dose adjustment is

required according to the observed
creatinine clearance values in patients
with kidney problems.

− Teeth that are non-viable or present a − Elective dental treatment.

poor prognosis should be removed:
o Minor surgery: al least two weeks No elective dental treatment should be
before chemotherapy. carried out.

o Major surgery: 4-6 weeks before ONLY emergency dental care.

chemotherapy.

NSAID: nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs.

Table 4. Dental treatment before, during and after chemotherapy.

and the type of treatment planned (Table 4). In addition, is applied, since the negative effects of the latter are more
an exhaustive examination of the oral cavity is required, limited when the oral cavity is healthy than when there
together with a radiological study (intraoral – periapical are pre-existing dental or periodontal problems (1,2).
and bitewing – and panoramic) in order to discard peria- Teeth that are non-viable or present a poor prognosis
pical lesions and/or bone alterations, and the evaluation (pericoronitis, extensive caries, advanced periodontal
of periodontal health. disease and periapical disorders) should be removed at
Denture fitting is to be checked, with readjustment or least two weeks before, while major surgical procedures
removal of those prostheses that prove traumatic, and should be carried out 4-6 weeks before chemotherapy.
all infectious foci are to be eliminated (caries, fillings in The patient should be informed of the complications of
poor condition). treatment (e.g., mucositis).
Dental fluorization is indicated, as well as rinses with If the patient is to receive treatment with intravenous
0.12% chlorhexidine and general prophylactic measu- BPs
res. In children, sealing of cracks and fissures in recently In patients programmed to receive intravenous BPs, the
erupted molars and premolars is advised. Adequate oral above described measures are likewise applicable, and
health conditions should be sought before chemotherapy moreover the dentist should inform the oncologist of
e39
J Clin Exp Dent. 2011;3(1):e31-42. Dental treatment in chemotherapy.

the planned treatment (particularly surgical treatment), significantly reduce the risk of ONJ versus the controls
in case it is possible to postpone therapy until wound (6.7% versus 26.3%, and 3.2% versus 1.3%, respecti-
healing has been achieved (4-6 weeks are recommen- vely)(37,38). If surgery proves necessary, prior infor-
ded)(23,36). Two independent studies have shown that med consent is to be obtained, and the operation should
opportune dental detection and preventive treatment be minimally traumatic in order to secure good and rapid

Fig. 2. Algorithm: dental treatment before, during and after chemotherapy in patients treated with intravenous bisphosphonates. BPs: bisphos-
phonates; ONJ: osteonecrosis of the jaw; CLX: chlorhexidine.
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J Clin Exp Dent. 2011;3(1):e31-42. Dental treatment in chemotherapy.

healing. the half-life of bisphosphonates is extremely long (39).

Treatment during chemotherapy Tooth extraction should be minimally traumatic, with
The oncologist is to be consulted in order to know the curettage of the socket, cleansing of the surgical bed and
degree of immune suppression of the patient. Continued suturing of the wound margins. Antibiotic prophylaxis is
patient reminder of the need to maintain strict dental hy- to be provided before and after extraction.
giene is indicated, with the added use of chlorhexidine Regarding dental implant placement in these patients,
rinses and fluorization. the available data are very limited, though all the stu-
During this period, the previously mentioned complica- dies found in the literature speak against such treatment
tions of chemotherapy are to be treated (mucositis, xe- (24,32,39-41).
rostomia, etc.). No elective dental treatment should be Orthodontic treatment in these patients is not recommen-
carried out (Table 4), and intervention is to be limited ded, due to the seriousness of their background illness,
to infectious processes and pain (i.e., emergency dental and due to the important osteoclastic inhibition induced
care). by bisphosphonate therapy, which limits or impedes
In these cases, great caution is required with the admi- the bone reabsorption required for dental displacement
nistration of drugs, since all antineoplastic agents cau- (41).
se bone marrow suppression to one degree or other, as Treatment after chemotherapy
well as variable liver toxicity, nephrotoxicity, ototoxici- Provided immune competence has been restored, and af-
ty and gastrointestinal disorders. It is preferable to use ter consulting the oncologist, elective treatment may be
paracetamol or metamizol, due to the interactions that provided, designed to restore or achieve good esthetic
occur between nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and results and adequate function. The presence of infectious
immunosuppressors (with corticosteroids: risk of gas- foci moreover should be minimized. The usual protocols
tric ulcer; with cyclosporine: nephrotoxicity; with me- for the management of odontogenic infections are appli-
thotrexate: risk of bleeding). For the administration of cable in such cases (Table 4). It is also important to insist
antibiotics, and in the case of kidney problems, dose ad- on the need for routine systematic oral hygiene in order
justment is required according to the observed creatinine to reduce the incidence and severity of the oral sequelae
clearance values. of antineoplastic therapy.
If the patient is receiving treatment with intravenous If the patient has received treatment with intravenous
BPs BPs
There are no contraindications to conservative dental In those patients who have received treatment with in-
treatment in patients receiving intravenous BPs (36-38). travenous BPs, the considerations for dental care are the
In this context, tartar removal can be carried out, with a same as in patients receiving treatment with intravenous
view to eliminating this source of mechanical and biolo- BPs, since the half-life of these drugs ranges from 1-10
gical irritation. Removable dentures are not contraindi- years. When placing dental implants, it must be taken
cated, though the dentist must be particularly carefully into account that a series of metabolic changes take pla-
to avoid the development of friction ulcers, and any such ce around the implant, leading to the formation of bone
lesions must be treated as soon as possible (24,31,32,39). intimately bound to the implant surface (osseointegra-
If such ulcers appear, the dentures must be removed, fo- tion)(40). If the surrounding bone contains medium to
llowed by patient control after 7-10 days. During this pe- high levels of BPs, such bone turnover and remodeling
riod, it is advisable for the dentist to examine the patient is hindered or prevented, with a high probability of ne-
every 6 months (23). crosis developing in the surrounding bone. The situation
Scaling and root planing are only advised where strictly is different when patients who start to receive treatment
necessary in order to avoid irritation of the alveolar bone with BPs already have dental implants (Fig. 2).
and overlying mucosa. Periodontal treatment with flap
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