Self-perceived oral health in hemato-oncological patients and the relation to quality of life

Purpose: To assess the self-reported oral health and oral health-related quality of life of patients diagnosed with hemato-oncological disease. Patients and methods: Data was collected through a digital questionnaire in collaboration with the Dutch patient organization Hematon. The questionnaires EORTC-QLQ-C30, EORTC-QLQ-OH15, shortened Xerostomia Inventory (XI), and the OHIP-14 were used. Results: Seven hundred five patients were included (52.5% female, mean age 63.2 ± 10.1). The majority was diagnosed more than 2 years ago (86%) and had received treatment (81%) for their disease. Lymphoma, leukemia, and multiple myeloma were the most frequent malignancies. Chemotherapy alone, chemotherapy in combination with targeted therapy or immunotherapy, and myeloablative chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplantation were the most common treatment modalities. The XI identified that 40.5% met the criteria for xerostomia. Other complaints included mouth soreness and sensitivity, gingival pain and bleeding, problems with teeth or with an ill-fitting denture. Despite reporting oral complaints, most patients experienced a rather good OH-QoL. A high xerostomia score led to a significantly lower OH-QoL. Female gender, history of stem cell transplantation, radiation to head and neck, and multiple daily medication use were significant predictors of xerostomia. Conclusion: Patients with hematologic malignancies frequently reported a dry mouth and other oral complaints including mouth soreness and sensitivity, gingival pain and bleeding, and problems with teeth. Despite these oral complaints, most patients experienced a relatively good OH-QoL. Future longitudinal studies are needed, and health professionals should have an active role in providing oral supportive care based on patients’ individual needs.