Publication

Abstract : Chemotherapy is a systemic treatment to combat primarily the disease sites, metastatic areas and possibly microscopic spread of disease. Along with the cancer cells, many actively dividing normal cells of the body are also destroyed. The current study, oral health related quality of life of patients on chemotherapy, a survey design was conducted with the aim to determine the impact of chemotherapy on oral-health and compare the OHRQoL of life at baseline, at Cycle III and V of chemotherapy. The study subjects included 60 patients receiving chemotherapy from the chemotherapy unit selected by total enumeration sampling. Oral-health status was assessed using Oral Health Impact Questionnaire. Study reported a gradual decline in the OHRQoL as the cycle of chemotherapy advanced (mean – 21.78 + 23.38, 28.02 + 21.24 and 34.33 + 21.45 at baseline, cycle III and V respectively). Statistically significant difference was noted in all the seven domains of OHRQoL between baseline, cycle III and V (p<0.01). Factors like co-morbidity, oral hygiene, presence of decayed, missing and sensitive teeth were significantly associated with OHRQoL (p<0.05). Hence, it is evident that chemotherapy pause a serious impact on the oral health. Keeping in view impact of chemotherapy on the oral health, assessment of the oral cavity must be part of the routine assessment of all the patients receiving chemotherapy and if necessary, consultation of a dentist must be done.