ENDODONTIC TREATMENT IN CANCER PATIENTS: CHALLENGES AND IMPLICATIONS OF ANTINEOPLASTIC THERAPY

Abstract

Endodontic treatment in cancer patients presents relevant challenges due to systemic and oral changes resulting from antineoplastic therapies, such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. These treatments may cause immunosuppression, xerostomia, mucositis, alterations in oral microbiota, and impaired healing, increasing the risk of infections and endodontic complications. This study aimed to analyze the challenges of endodontic treatment in cancer patients, as well as the implications of antineoplastic therapies on oral health. This is a qualitative literature review based on studies published between 2016 and 2026, retrieved from PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases. The analysis of the literature showed that physiological, microbiological, and hematological changes associated with cancer treatment directly affect diagnosis, planning, and endodontic prognosis, requiring individualized clinical approaches, strict protocols, and multidisciplinary care. It is concluded that endodontic treatment is an essential conservative alternative for eliminating infectious foci, and proper planning combined with interdisciplinary integration is crucial to ensure safe and effective care for cancer patients.