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Updated: Jun 11, 2026
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Radiation Treatment of Organotypic Cultures from Submandibular and Parotid Salivary Glands Models Key In Vivo Characteristics
Published on: May 17, 2019
[Normal tissue tolerance to external beam radiation therapy: the mandible]
1Service d'Oncologie Radiothérapie, PRC, CHU de la Milétrie, 2 Rue de la Milétrie, BP 557, 86021 Poitiers cedex, France. a.berger@chu-poitiers.fr
Summary
Osteoradionecrosis, a late complication of head and neck radiotherapy, can be reduced by adhering to mandible dose constraints of 66 Gy. Precise dose constraints for radiation-induced trismus are not yet established.
Area of Science:
- Radiation Oncology
- Medical Physics
- Head and Neck Cancer Treatment
Background:
- The mandible is susceptible to radiation-induced complications following head and neck radiotherapy.
- Osteoradionecrosis and trismus are significant late toxicities impacting patient quality of life.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the incidence and established dose constraints for the mandible in head and neck radiotherapy.
- To explore the current understanding and potential dose constraints for radiation-induced trismus.
Main Methods:
- Literature search conducted on Pubmed-Medline database.
- Keywords included: Osteoradionecrosis, Radiotherapy, Mandible, Toxicity, Organ at risk, Trismus.
- Analysis of incidence data and reported dose constraints.
Main Results:
- Osteoradionecrosis incidence has decreased since the 1990s but remains a concern.
- A cumulative dose of 66 Gy to a significant mandibular volume is associated with osteoradionecrosis.
- Precise dose constraints for radiation-induced trismus are not well-defined in current literature.
Conclusions:
- Adherence to mandibular dose constraints, particularly limiting cumulative doses to 66 Gy, is crucial for reducing osteoradionecrosis.
- Maintaining good oral hygiene is vital in preventing radiation-related complications.
- Further research is needed to establish dose constraints for radiation-induced trismus.
