MASCC/ISOO Clinical Practice Statement: Management of oral complications of targeted therapy

Alessandro Villa*, Joel B. Epstein, Noam Yarom, Catherine Hong, Caroline Fulop, Paolo Bossi, Sharon Elad

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: A MASCC/ISOO Clinical Practice Statement (CPS) is aimed at generating a concise tool for clinicians that concentrates practical information needed for the management of oral complications of cancer patients. This CPS is focused on the management of oral complications of targeted therapy. Methods: This CPS was developed based on critical evaluation of the literature followed by a structured discussion of a group of leading experts, members of the Oral Care Study Group of MASCC/ISOO. Targeted agents were identified using the National Cancer Institute’s list of Food and Drug Administration approved targeted therapy drugs. The information is presented in the form of succinct bullets and tables to generate a short manual about the best standard of care. Results: Oral toxicities secondary to targeted therapy include various mucosal conditions, gingival conditions, jawbone disease, dysesthesia, taste change, and dry mouth. For the purpose of this CPS, we focused on oral mucosal conditions, gingival conditions, taste change, and dysesthesia. The treatment of oral toxicities depends on the symptom severity. Topical steroids and immunomodulators are often used as first-line therapy for oral mucosal toxicities. Treatment approaches for oral dysesthesia and taste change primarily revolve around symptoms management. Typically, therapy protocols align with the therapeutic algorithms employed for other neuropathic pain conditions, incorporating topical pharmacological interventions to achieve relief. Other oral toxicity requires a more specific approach. Conclusion: Management of oral toxicities from targeted molecular therapies is designed to alleviate patient discomfort and optimize treatment outcomes. Collaboration between medical and oral health professionals is necessary for best management practices.

Original languageEnglish
Article number549
JournalSupportive Care in Cancer
Volume32
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2024

Keywords

  • Cancer
  • Oral complications
  • Targeted therapy

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'MASCC/ISOO Clinical Practice Statement: Management of oral complications of targeted therapy'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this