Use of the Hygienic Protocol for Prevention of Complications From the Oral Cavity Organs and Tissues in Cancer Patients During Chemotherapy

Abstract

An increase in diagnostic capabilities contributes to the early detection of oncological diseases, which is statistically reflected in the number of detected pathologies. The prevalence of cancer is increasing every year. Chemotherapy is one of the leading methods of treatment in oncology. According to the literature, from 20 to 80% of cancer patients experience complications of chemotherapy treatment from the organs and tissues of the oral cavity. The most common complication is oral mucositis. Such damage to the oral mucosa causes discomfort, pain, difficulty in eating, swallowing, and interferes with speech function. In advanced cases, oral mucositis leads to extreme weight loss, sepsis, and premature death. The development of oral mucositis is a complex multi-step process. Despite the fact that it is based on damage to the DNA structure of the cells of the oral mucosa, the microflora of the oral cavity plays an important role in the further development of the process. The influence of representatives of the microflora on the development of inflammatory processes is enormous. In the oral cavity, microorganisms are presented in the form of microbial communities - biofilms. Biofilm management is the basis for preventing inflammation of the oral mucosa and destruction of hard dental tissues. Due to the negative effect of chemotherapeutic drugs on the local immunity of the oral cavity, on salivation, there is a deterioration in the hygienic status of cancer patients. Taking into account the available data, we decided to conduct a study on the effect of mechanical action on oral biofilms in order to prevent complications from the organs and tissues of the oral cavity during chemotherapy treatment. The obtained results demonstrate the influence of the hygienic protocol on the state of the oral cavity of cancer patients during chemotherapy.