Naslov
Strategies for prevention and treatment of head and neck radiotherapy complications

Autori
Alajbeg, Ivan ; Andabak Rogulj, Ana ; Bakale Hodak, Iva ; Gršić, Krešimir ; Pastorčić Grgić, Marija ; Stubljar, Boris

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Sažeci sa skupova, sažetak, stručni

Izvornik
Supportive care in cancer / - : Springer, 2012, 230-231

Skup
International Symposium on Supportive Care in Cancer

Mjesto i datum
New York City (NY), Sjedinjene Američke Države, 28.06.2012. - 30.06.2012

Vrsta sudjelovanja
Poster

Vrsta recenzije
Međunarodna recenzija

Ključne riječi
prevencija ; liječenje ; komplikacije zračenja glave i vrata
(prevention ; treatment ; head and neck radiotherapy complications)

Sažetak
Introduction: Oral complications of oral, head and neck cancer (OHNC) radiotherapy (RT) are responsible for increased morbidity, mortality and treatment costs as the oral mucosa, salivary glands and jaws are commonly included in the radiotherapy filed. In Croatia, since recently, OHNC patients receive organized dental treatment for improving compliance to RT, minimizing short- term and minimizing /preventing long-term RT- associated oral complications, including mucositis, xerostomia, radiation caries, osteoradionecrosis and trismus. Objectives: We reflect on our experiences on oral treatment of OHNC patients and on the pilot results of an irradiation- caries prevention protocol. Methods: We assessed 29 OHNC patients seen for dental treatment, the procedures performed, timing in relation to RT, compliance to follow-up, major oral complications and the obstacles perceived. Furthermore, we started strict a caries prevention protocol pilot on three patients using Fluor protector applied on a biwekly basis/first 3 months and monthly/second 3 months+use of Cervitec gel and Cervitec liquid at home on a daily basis. Mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and saliva buffering capacity were assessed at baseline and after the third and sixth months. Demineralising lesions were assessed by clinical inspection and Diagnodent during each visit. Quality of life (OHIP-14) and symptom check inventory supplemented the clinical findings. Results: The results helped in identifying obstacles and shortcomings of medical care and pointed on weak spots that need reassessing. The pilot results showed good compliance and outcomes of strict anti-caries protocols. Conclusions: Introduction of oral health management in OHNC patients is demanding and is a slowly developing preocess, but its impact on patients' well-being and treatment costs is great.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Dentalna medicina

POVEZANOST RADA