Orofacial Development Changes in Children Following Cancer Treatment: A Comprehensive Review of Literature and Analysis of Current Data in Leeds Dental Institute.

Abstract

Introduction: Childhood cancer survivors often experience various side effects after treatment, including dental and orofacial developmental conditions. According to the literature, the treatment for cancer in children can affect the development of teeth, the function of salivary glands, the development of facial structures, and the operation of the temporomandibular joint [TMJ]. Leeds Dental Institute [LDI] has accumulated a wealth of data while providing dental healthcare for cancer survivors. This extensive data has not been thoroughly explored or published. Thus, this study aims to investigate the long-term effects of cancer treatment on dental and orofacial structures from the literature and the available records in children at Leeds Dental Institute. Methods: This research is structured into two sections. The first is a comprehensive literature review of existing studies on the adverse effects of cancer treatments on oral and facial structures in children by searching six databases to establish a foundation for understanding the broader context of the issue. The second section is a retrospective data collection and analysis of paediatric patient data from the electronic records in LDI using a list of appointments attended by cancer patients in LDI. Results: Fifty-one articles were included in the comprehensive literature review following the database search and the inclusion criteria. Numerous studies concluded that chemotherapy and other anticancer treatments in children are linked to increased dental anomalies like microdontia and enamel defects, especially when treatment occurs at a young age. The findings have been summarised in tables. Of the 806 registered appointments identified, the clinical records of 85 childhood cancer survivors who met the inclusion criteria were included. The post-treatment identified conditions included microdontia, hypodontia and enamel hypoplasia. Demographics, cancer diagnosis and type of treatment, in addition to dental findings, were summarised in tables. The data were also categorised according to age at the cancer treatment time and type of treatment provided. Conclusions: The literature review and LDI patient data revealed that childhood cancer survivors commonly face serious long-term dental issues due to their treatments. These findings highlight the importance of a better understanding of cancer therapy's impact on orofacial development, requiring more attention and support from healthcare professionals, particularly dentists.