Global functional impairment in head and neck cancer survivors after completing radiotherapy treatment

Obeso-Benítez, Paula; Vigueras, Natalia Muñoz; Castillo-Pérez, Isabel; Rodríguez‐Torres, Janet; Granados-Santiago, María; Cabrera‐Martos, Irene; Valenza, Marie Carmen

doi:10.1080/09638288.2021.1966677

Cited by 2 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…The fact that the treatment of head and neck cancer leads to a certain degree of disability has already been shown in previous studies on quality of life and global functionality. [44,45]. The more specific jaw functional impairment is manifested, amongst other symptoms, by a reduced mouth opening (trismus) as a result of radiation-induced fibrosis of the masticatory muscles.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Oral Sequelae after Head and Neck Radiotherapy: RCT Comparing 3D-Printed Tissue Retraction Devices with Conventional Dental Splints

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Labis

et al. 2023

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Objectives: To evaluate oral sequelae after head and neck radiotherapy (RT) when using two different types of intraoral appliances. Thermoplastic dental splints (active control) protect against backscattered radiation from dental structures. Semi-individualized, 3D-printed tissue retraction devices (TRDs, study group) additionally spare healthy tissue from irradiation. Materials and Methods: A total of 29 patients with head and neck cancer were enrolled in a randomized controlled pilot trial and allocated to receive TRDs (n = 15) or conventional splints (n = 14). Saliva quality and quantity (Saliva-Check, GC), taste perception (Taste strips, Burghart-Messtechnik), and oral disability (JFLS-8, OHIP-14, maximum mouth opening) were recorded before and 3 months after RT start. Radiotherapy target volume, modality, total dose, fractionation, and imaging guidance were case-dependent. To evaluate intra-group developments between baseline and follow-up, nonparametric Wilcoxon tests were performed. Mann-Whitney-U tests were applied for inter-group comparisons. Results: At follow-up, taste perception was unimpaired (median difference in the total score; TRDs: 0, control: 0). No significant changes were found regarding oral disability. Saliva quantity (stimulated flow) was significantly reduced with conventional splints (median −4 mL, p = 0.016), while it decreased insignificantly with TRDs (median −2 mL, p = 0.07). Follow-up was attended by 9/15 study group participants (control 13/14). Inter-group comparisons showed no significant differences but a tendency towards a better outcome for disability and saliva quality in the intervention group. Conclusion: Due to the small cohort size and the heterogeneity of the sample, the results must be interpreted with reservation. Further research must confirm the positive trends of TRD application. Negative side-effects of TRD application seem improbable.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Oral Sequelae after Head and Neck Radiotherapy: RCT Comparing 3D-Printed Tissue Retraction Devices with Conventional Dental Splints

Herpel

Held

Labis

et al. 2023

JCM

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“…Surgery, radiation, and combined chemoradiation are standard treatments for HNC (Chow, 2020). Due to the anatomical location of HNC, treatments may result in highly visible disfigurement and long-term functional impairments related to eating, speaking, and breathing (Howren et al, 2013; Obeso-Benítez et al, 2022). While managing their disease and treatments, patients with HNC frequently report some of the highest levels of psychological distress of all cancer groups (Howren et al, 2013; Smith et al, 2017).…”

Section: Overview Of the Present Study And Hypothesesmentioning

confidence: 99%