Journal Article

Impact of Malignant Neoplasms on Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Paediatric and Adolescent Populations: A Systematic Review

Kaushik, S, Medina, J B, Ortega, K L, Tenório, J R, Massuda, M, Magno, M B, Galvão, G, Franco, J B, Gallottini, M, Bonecker, M

2025

Overview

Malignant neoplasms of any anatomical site, along with their treatments, can significantly affect the oral health of paediatric and adolescent populations, potentially influencing their oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL). This systematic review sought to evaluate how cancer, regardless of tumour location, impacts the OHRQoL of children and adolescents. Electronic searches were conducted in PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE, Web of Science and LILACS, as well as grey literature, up to October 2023. Clinical studies reporting on OHRQoL in patients aged 0-19 years with cancer were included. Two reviewers independently performed study selection, data extraction and risk of bias assessment using the Joanna Briggs Institute tools. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using the GRADE approach. Of 27,684 records, four studies (three cross-sectional and one randomised clinical trial) met the inclusion criteria, encompassing 253 paediatric patients. OHRQoL was assessed using OHIP-14 and ECOHIS instruments. Most studies reported a weak impact of oral health on quality of life. However, methodological limitations and very low certainty of evidence were identified. Although a weak impact of oral health on quality of life was observed among children and adolescents with malignant neoplasms, the limited number and quality of available studies prevent firm conclusions. High-quality research with robust methodology is needed to better understand this relationship and draw robust conclusions and guide clinical decision-making.