Oral Health-Related Quality of Life in Oral Cancer Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

<b>Aim:</b> The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the impact of oral health on quality of life in oral cancer patients (OCPs). <b>Methods:</b> PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched for publications on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in OCP and the information was extracted according to the PRISMA guidelines. A random effect model was used to obtain the pooled standard mean differences of Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP)-14 questionnaire responses in meta-analysis. <b>Results:</b> total of 12 research papers were analyzed and revealed poor OHRQoL in OCPs (standard mean difference: 2.53; 95% CI: 1.55-3.50; p < 0.00001) compared with healthy individuals due to the effects of oncotherapy. Moreover, OHRQoL deteriorated with combinations of different treatment modalities. <b>Conclusion:</b> Oral health and oncotherapy can affect the quality of life in OCPs.