Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 5, 2026
07:38
Radiation Treatment of Organotypic Cultures from Submandibular and Parotid Salivary Glands Models Key In Vivo Characteristics
Published on: May 17, 2019
Risk Factors for Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing
Jiajie Tang1, Runjuan Xu2, Wenqiang Ji1
1Department of Oral Medicine, Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China.
International Dental Journal
|July 30, 2026
Summary
Radiation-induced oral mucositis (RTOM) affects nearly 80% of head and neck cancer patients undergoing IMRT. Higher cumulative radiation dose is the key independent risk factor for developing RTOM.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Radiation Oncology
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients undergoing radiotherapy often develop radiation-induced oral mucositis (RTOM).
- Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) is a common treatment modality for HNC.
- Understanding RTOM incidence and risk factors is crucial for patient care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the incidence and identify risk factors for RTOM in HNC patients treated with IMRT.
- To provide data for early prediction and prevention strategies for RTOM.
Main Methods:
- A prospective observational study included 134 HNC patients receiving IMRT.
- Data collected included RTOM incidence, onset, severity, and potential risk factors.
- Statistical analyses (univariate and multivariate logistic regression) were used to identify significant predictors.
Main Results:
- The overall incidence of RTOM was 79.9%.
- RTOM commonly occurred by the second week of treatment, peaking in the third week, with Grade 2 being most frequent.
- Mean cumulative oral radiation dose was the only independent risk factor identified (OR = 1.105 per Gy).
Conclusions:
- HNC patients treated with IMRT have a high incidence of RTOM.
- Cumulative oral radiation dose is a significant independent predictor of RTOM.
- Clinical management should focus on dose monitoring and early intervention for high-risk patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
02:59Cancer Prevention
Several factors can increase the risk of cancer in an individual. About 50% of cancer cases can be prevented by adopting a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, eating healthy, and following a modest cancer prevention diet. Epidemiological studies have consistently shown that populations with vegetable and fruit-rich diets have reduced the incidence of cancer. On the other hand, populations who have a diet rich in animal fat, red meat, junk food, or high calories are predisposed to cancer.
Some...
Some...
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
02:49Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
01:27The Oral Microbiota
The oral microbiome includes a complex ecosystem comprising over 700 microbial species, identified through genomic sequencing and culture-based analyses to date. This community includes a core microbiome, found universally among individuals, and a variable component influenced by environmental factors such as diet, lifestyle, and host genetics. Site-specific conditions, including oxygen gradients, pH levels, and nutrient availability, determine the spatial distribution of these microorganisms...