A Review of the Quality of Extant Clinical Practice Guidelines in Cancer Therapy-Induced Mucositis

Abstract

Context: Oral mucositis is a common complication in patients with cancer therapy. Oral and dental care should be considered as a vital component of caring before, during and after chemotherapy. This study aimed to assess the methodological quality of existing CPGs about cancer therapy-induced mucositis. Evidence Acquisition: We conducted a review of extant CPGs for the management of mucositis. After screening the guidelines based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, three CPGs were selected and assessed by 5 appraisers by using AGREE II instrument. Results: Assessed CPGs gained the highest scores in the clarity of the presentation domain. Scope, purpose (median score, 63.3), and stakeholder involvement (median score, 54.4) were found respectively and the lowest scores were in editorial independence domain. The scores in applicability (median score, 30), rigor of development (median score, 28.8), and editorial independence (median score, 26.7) domains were unfavorable. Also, every appraiser scored the overall quality of CPGs. Conclusions: Quality of mucositis CPGs needs to be improved. In other words, designing high-quality CPGs in this area is necessary.