Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 6, 2026
Isolation of Cells with Morphological and Spatial Information from Oral Submucous Fibrosis Samples by Laser Capture Microdissection
Published on: August 11, 2023
A qualitative analysis of dental challenges for oncology patients receiving bone-modifying agents
Byrne H1, Weadick C S2,3, O 'Reilly S2,3
1Cork University Dental School and Hospital, Cork City, Cork, T12E8YV, Ireland. harriet.byrne@ucc.ie.
Background:
Bone-modifying agents (BMAs) play an integral role in cancer care treatments. Their interface with dentistry remains challenging for oncology patients receiving BMAs and their general dental practitioners (GDPs) providing care for them. This article uses qualitative research methods to explore the challenges of dental care for patients and GDPs receiving BMAs.
Methods:
The study recruited 10 oncology patients receiving BMAs and 20 GDPs. The oncology patients participated in a focus group (n = 6) or qualitative interviews (n = 4) via telephone interviews. GDPs participated in three separate focus groups (n = 20). The interactions were recorded and transcribed, and thematic analysis was completed.
Results:
Analyses of the results highlighted recurrent themes amongst both patients and GDPs. These could be divided into the awareness of MRONJ, the burden of dental care, treatment planning strategies in this cohort of patients, and multidisciplinary co-ordinated care.
Conclusion:
Integration of dental services into oncology care remains an important aspect of BMA treatment for oncology patients. This article discusses relevant qualitative factors regarding the onco-dental interface and serves as a real-life template to optimise dental oncology care.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Cancer Survival Analysis
02:49Cancer Therapies
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...