Integrating Periodontal Therapy and Biofilm Management into Breast Cancer Patients' Care: Periodontal, Hematological and salivary Parameters Assessment Before and During Chemotherapy

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the impact of chemotherapy on periodontal conditions, hematology, and salivary flow in patients with breast cancer and gingivitis, after basic periodontal therapy (BPT). Methods They were divided into patients with breast cancer and gingivitis (BC/G = 20); and patients without cancer with gingivitis (G = 20). Clinical parameters [Plaque Index (PI), bleeding on probing (BOP), Probing Depth (PD), Clinical Attachment Level (CAL)], hematological parameters, and salivary flow were evaluated at baseline, 6, 12 and 24 weeks. Results After BPT, both groups exhibited a reduction in BOP and PI. However, group G showed a significantly (p < 0.05) greater reduction at weeks 12 and 24 compared to group BC/G. In the hematological parameters, the G group showed higher hemoglobin and red blood cell levels than the BC/G group at 6, 12, and 24 weeks (p < 0.05). The salivary flow rate was decreased at 6, 12, and 24 weeks in BC/G (< 0.3 ml/min), however, they did not show hyposalivation (< 0.1ml/min). Conclusion Chemotherapy significantly impacts periodontal and hematological conditions, as well as salivary flow. Both groups, showed improvement in periodontal conditions after BPT, with a reduction in BOP and PI. However, the group without cancer demonstrated significantly greater improvement compared to the group with cancer, indicating that chemotherapy affects inflammatory control. The application of BPT with strict biofilm control is necessary for breast cancer patients, contributing to an overall favorable treatment outcome.