Open research questions in Oral health in cancer treatment
143 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 1,155 Oral health in cancer treatment papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.
What the literature leaves open
Treatment-related toxicities remain a major challenge in clinical management. Oral mucositis is a common adverse event of EGFR-TKI therapy, but its clinical burden is potentially underestimated. There is a need for a systematic review and network meta-analysis to estimate OM risks.
Oral mucositis risk with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor monotherapies and combination regimens in non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis · 2026 · DOIFurther research is needed to fully understand the risks of OM across different EGFR-TKI regimens, - Studies should investigate the underlying mechanisms of OM in EGFR-TKI therapy
Oral mucositis risk with EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor monotherapies and combination regimens in non-small cell lung cancer: a systematic review and network meta-analysis · 2026 · DOIThere is a lack of research on the effects of chemotherapy on tooth development in patients with congenital acute myeloid leukemia. There is a need for effective treatment protocols for full occlusal reconstruction in patients with severe hypodontia. The optimal timing for implant placement in young individuals is not well established.
A case of dental implant treatment for occlusal reconstruction in a congenital acute myeloid leukemia survivor · 2026 · DOIFurther research on the mechanisms underlying the effects of polyphenols, - Investigation of the role of polyphenols in redox regulation of inflammation, - Study of the potential of polyphenol-rich foods in the prevention of colorectal cancer
Dietary polyphenols as modulators of cell signaling and inflammation in colorectal carcinogenesis · 2025 · DOIFurther clinical experience and research are needed to establish effective treatment protocols
A case of dental implant treatment for occlusal reconstruction in a congenital acute myeloid leukemia survivor · 2026 · DOIAlthough current chemopreventive drugs can suppress the proliferation of cancer cells, their use is often limited by adverse side effects, including toxicity, development of resistance, and lack of selectivity.
Dietary polyphenols as modulators of cell signaling and inflammation in colorectal carcinogenesis · 2025 · DOIIntroduction Microbial dysbiosis links to mucosal immune dysregulation, but the specific bacterial contributions to oral mucosal inflammation remain unclear.
Escherichia coli aggravates inflammatory response in mice oral mucositis through regulating Th17/Treg imbalance · 2025 · DOIDental management prior to radiotherapy is often time-critical, and there are no studies on whether manipulations such as tooth extraction influence the risk of severe radiation-induced oral mucositis (ROM) during radiotherapy.
The relevance of dental management prior to radiation therapy with severe oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients · 2024 · DOIHowever, the mechanism underlying hepcidin signaling in the oral mucosa remains unclear.
However, effective treatment for CIOM is lacking due to the unique environment of the oral cavity and the single effect of current drug delivery systems.
Application of In Situ Mucoadhesive Hydrogel with Anti-Inflammatory and Pro-Repairing Dual Properties for the Treatment of Chemotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis · 2024 · DOIHowever, the literature on the oral microbiota after radiotherapy for rectal cancer remains scarce.
The recovery of intestinal barrier function and changes in oral microbiota after radiation therapy injury · 2024 · DOIThere is a lack of confidence and knowledge among parents regarding oral health care for children with cancer. Oral health is frequently overlooked during cancer treatment.
The questionnaire did not collect respondent profile or family sociodemographic data related to gender, age, parental education, and income. Future research in paediatric oncology oral health should systematically assess how sociodemographic variables and access to dental services in predominantly private healthcare systems influence parental oral health practices and oral complication outcomes.
Further research is required to determine the feasibility, reliability, and validity of the protocol among diverse users and practice environments. Clinical trials should be conducted to assess the protocol's effectiveness in minimizing adverse effects and enhancing tolerance to OAT.
A Standardized Protocol for Enhancing Oral Appliance Therapy: Integrating Morning Occlusal Guide and Jaw Exercises · 2026 · DOIThere is a need for a standardized protocol for exercise to address the adverse effects of OAT. The existing heterogeneity in MOG design, materials, and fabrication methods leaves patients and health professionals to experiment with finding a strategy that works for them.
A Standardized Protocol for Enhancing Oral Appliance Therapy: Integrating Morning Occlusal Guide and Jaw Exercises · 2026 · DOIRadiation-induced bone damage is a significant challenge in patients undergoing radiation therapy. There is a need for effective treatments for radiation-induced bone damage.
Comparative radioprotective effects of ascorbic acid and telmisartan, alone and in combination, on gamma-irradiated mandibular bone: an experimental rat study · 2026 · DOIThere is a need for effective treatments for radiation-induced bone damage. The radioprotective effects of ascorbic acid and telmisartan on gamma-irradiated mandibular bone in rats are not well understood.
Comparative radioprotective effects of ascorbic acid and telmisartan, alone and in combination, on gamma-irradiated mandibular bone: an experimental rat study · 2026 · DOIFurther studies with PCM-based approaches are warranted. Studies to evaluate the long-term efficacy and safety of the intraoral device are needed.
Safety and Efficacy of an Led-Based Intraoral Device for Daily Photobiomodulation Therapy Prior to Radiation Treatment in Reducing Severity of Oral Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients · 2026 · DOIThe study had a relatively small sample size of 113 childhood cancer survivors. The study was limited to childhood cancer survivors treated at Haukeland University Hospital.
Limitations of the present study include potential selection bias in both groups. In the control group, children with substantial caries and treatment needs may have declined Supportive Care in Cancer (2026) 34:482 Page 11 of 12 482 clinics in Vestland County for providing office space for our examina- tions, as well as to TK Rogaland Stavanger and the Specialist Clinic in Haugesund for allowing us to use their facilities for CCS examinations. Author contribution BNT and TB collected the clinical data. BNT drafted the manuscript. JA, BNT and TB analysed the statistics. SL, DMW and TB designed the research, supervised the study and con- tributed to manuscript writing. TL also contributed to planning the study and writing the manuscript. DMW, TB and BNT recruited the participants. All the authors read and approved the final version of the manuscript. Funding Open access funding provided by University of Bergen (incl Haukeland University Hospital). The Norwegian Childhood Cancer Society. Department of Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Medicine, Uni- versity of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. Data availability The datasets used and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
The study faced challenges integrating the study into clinical routine. The number and complexity of inclusion criteria limited the number of potentially eligible patients. Logistical challenges, such as avoiding public transport during the COVID-19 pandemic, were significant barriers.
Acupuncture for chemotherapy-induced dysgeusia (AcuDysg): a randomized controlled trial · 2026 · DOIThere is a lack of effective treatments for chemotherapy-induced dysgeusia. The underlying mechanisms of chemotherapy-induced dysgeusia are not fully understood.
Acupuncture for chemotherapy-induced dysgeusia (AcuDysg): a randomized controlled trial · 2026 · DOINo precise event-time data for all patients, - Limited to a single institutional framework, - No interaction was observed between CRII and dose metrics within the constraints of the present analysis
The Comprehensive Repair–Inflammation Index (CRII) Predicts Tooth Extraction After Chemoradiotherapy: A Continuous and Nonlinear Modeling Analysis · 2026 · DOIInvestigation of the relationship between CRII and TE in other cancer types, - Exploration of the underlying biological mechanisms driving the association between CRII and TE, - Development of personalized treatment strategies incorporating CRII
The Comprehensive Repair–Inflammation Index (CRII) Predicts Tooth Extraction After Chemoradiotherapy: A Continuous and Nonlinear Modeling Analysis · 2026 · DOIThe study faced challenges due to the limited sample size. The research had to account for the complex interactions between different cells in the mucosa.
Mucositis bucal en leucemia aguda: Efecto aditivo de la neutropenia y el tratamiento cistostático · 2026 · DOI
Most-cited papers in Oral health in cancer treatment
- Oral Sequelae of Head and Neck Radiotherapy · Critical Reviews in Oral Biology & Medicine · 2003 · 692 citations
- Current concepts in management of oral cancer – Surgery · Oral Oncology · 2008 · 630 citations
- Oral cancer prevention and control – The approach of the World Health Organization · Oral Oncology · 2008 · 452 citations
- Mucositis: The impact, biology and therapeutic opportunities of oral mucositis · Oral Oncology · 2009 · 442 citations
- Mucositis as a biological process: a new hypothesis for the development of chemotherapy-induced stomatotoxicity · Oral Oncology · 1998 · 380 citations
- Pilocarpine Tablets for the Treatment of Dry Mouth and Dry Eye Symptoms in Patients With Sjögren Syndrome<subtitle>A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Fixed-Dose, Multicenter Trial</subtitle> · Archives of Internal Medicine · 1999 · 365 citations
- Current uses of chlorhexidine for management of oral disease: a narrative review · Journal of Dentistry · 2020 · 352 citations
- Epidemiology and prevention of oral cancer · Oral Oncology · 1997 · 321 citations
- Prevention and Treatment of the Consequences of Head and Neck Radiotherapy · Critical Reviews in Oral Biology & Medicine · 2003 · 308 citations
- Lifestyle risk factors for oral cancer · Oral Oncology · 2008 · 304 citations
Most recent work
- Functional and Organic Foods in Enhancing the Oral and Dental Health and Hygiene—A Comprehensive Review · Food Science & Nutrition · 2026
- Endodontic Management Before, During and After Head and Neck Radiotherapy: Biological, Diagnostic and Clinical Considerations in Head and Neck Cancer Patients · International Endodontic Journal · 2026
- Clinical evidence for managing radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis and xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients: a review of Phase III–IV trials · International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery · 2026
- DENTALE: a validated Dentofacial EvaluatioN Tool to standardize radiological Assessment of Late dental and maxillofacial adverse Effects following treatment for pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma · Frontiers in Pediatrics · 2026
- Adverse Oral Health in Older Adults With Head and Neck Cancer (And Oral Potentially Malignant Disorders): A Systematic Review · Gerodontology · 2026
- Prospective Evaluation of KEAP1, NRF-2, NF-κB, IL-1β, and TNFα Levels in Head and Neck Cancer Patients with Oral Mucositis Undergoing Chemo-radiotherapy · Journal of international oral health · 2026
- Efficacy of adhesive discs for nocturnal xerostomia after head and neck radiotherapy: a randomized crossover trial · Clinical Oral Investigations · 2026
- Preventive exercise intervention for trismus in head and neck cancer – a randomized study · Clinical Oral Investigations · 2026
- Effect of vitamins A/C primed human gingival mesenchymal stem/progenitor cells in preventing medication-related osteonecrosis of extraction socket: an animal study · Odontology · 2026
- Surgical management of mandibular osteoradionecrosis: risk factors, timeline and surgical outcomes · International Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery · 2026
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