-
ORL; Journal For Oto-rhino-laryngology... 2023Osteoradionecrosis is a rare and debilitating risk of definitive chemoradiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. It is difficult to distinguish between...
INTRODUCTION
Osteoradionecrosis is a rare and debilitating risk of definitive chemoradiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. It is difficult to distinguish between osteoradionecrosis and recurrent or progressive disease, as clinical and radiologic features may be similar. Our aim was to compare the clinical presentation and radiologic features of osteonecrosis with those of recurrent or progressive cancer.
METHODS
We conducted a single-center case series of 19 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma diagnosed between 2011 and 2019 who subsequently developed clinical and/or radiological suspicion of osteoradionecrosis. The population was a referred sample from head and neck cancer physicians at Northwell Health Cancer Institute. Clinician notes and imaging reports were reviewed to assign a final diagnosis of either cancer, osteonecrosis, or indeterminate.
RESULTS
No differences were found in the clinical presentation or radiologic features between groups. Median time between treatment and development of symptoms was longer in patients with a final diagnosis of osteoradionecrosis than recurrent or progressive disease (5 vs. 3 months), but this difference was not statistically significant. Radiation dose and type were not associated with diagnosis. Mean standard uptake value maximums on positron emission tomography/computed tomography were significantly higher in the cancer group (median 14.8 vs. 9.1, p < 0.0152). At 1 year after first suspicion of osteoradionecrosis, 100% of osteoradionecrosis patients were alive, versus 28.6% of cancer patients.
DISCUSSION/CONCLUSION
There is significant overlap in clinical and radiologic features of osteoradionecrosis and cancer. Standard uptake maximums may be helpful in predicting diagnosis. Occurrence of symptoms within 6 months of completing chemoradiotherapy should raise the concern for malignancy.
Topics: Humans; Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Head and Neck; Osteoradionecrosis; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Positron Emission Tomography Computed Tomography; Osteonecrosis
PubMed: 36455537
DOI: 10.1159/000527261 -
Head & Neck Jun 2024Head and neck osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the midface requiring free flap (FF) reconstruction is uncommon. This multi-institutional study was designed to review outcomes...
BACKGROUND
Head and neck osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the midface requiring free flap (FF) reconstruction is uncommon. This multi-institutional study was designed to review outcomes for this rare patient population.
METHODS
Retrospective multi-institutional review of FF reconstruction for midface ORN (2005-2022; n = 54).
RESULTS
The FF survival rate was 87% (n = 54). Patients were less likely to be tolerating a regular diet at 3 months postoperative if they had a preoperative history of prior head and surgery (80% vs. 95%; p = 0.02), a pathologic fracture (50% vs. 90%; p = 0.04), exposed bone intraorally (43% vs. 94%; p = 0.002), or a fistula (67% vs. 96%; p = 0.03). Mean albumin was higher in patients whose FF survived (3.6 ± 0.5 vs. 2.7 ± 1.4; p = 0.03). Patients with low prealbumin were more likely to undergo a hematoma evacuation (27% vs. 0%; p = 0.02).
CONCLUSION
In this series of midface ORN requiring FF reconstruction preoperative nutritional status impacted postoperative complications. Preoperative occurrence of a fistula, pathologic fracture, and intraoral bone exposure correlated with decreased tolerance of a regular diet following reconstruction.
PubMed: 38845552
DOI: 10.1002/hed.27824 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Aug 2023This is the third update of the original Cochrane Review published in July 2005 and updated previously in 2012 and 2016. Cancer is a significant global health issue.... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
This is the third update of the original Cochrane Review published in July 2005 and updated previously in 2012 and 2016. Cancer is a significant global health issue. Radiotherapy is a treatment modality for many malignancies, and about 50% of people having radiotherapy will be long-term survivors. Some will experience late radiation tissue injury (LRTI), developing months or years following radiotherapy. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been suggested as a treatment for LRTI based on the ability to improve the blood supply to these tissues. It is postulated that HBOT may result in both healing of tissues and the prevention of complications following surgery and radiotherapy.
OBJECTIVES
To evaluate the benefits and harms of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) for treating or preventing late radiation tissue injury (LRTI) compared to regimens that excluded HBOT.
SEARCH METHODS
We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was 24 January 2022.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing the effect of HBOT versus no HBOT on LRTI prevention or healing.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcomes were 1. survival from time of randomisation to death from any cause; 2. complete or substantial resolution of clinical problem; 3. site-specific outcomes; and 4.
ADVERSE EVENTS
Our secondary outcomes were 5. resolution of pain; 6. improvement in quality of life, function, or both; and 7. site-specific outcomes. We used GRADE to assess certainty of evidence.
MAIN RESULTS
Eighteen studies contributed to this review (1071 participants) with publications ranging from 1985 to 2022. We added four new studies to this updated review and evidence for the treatment of radiation proctitis, radiation cystitis, and the prevention and treatment of osteoradionecrosis (ORN). HBOT may not prevent death at one year (risk ratio (RR) 0.93, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.47 to 1.83; I = 0%; 3 RCTs, 166 participants; low-certainty evidence). There is some evidence that HBOT may result in complete resolution or provide significant improvement of LRTI (RR 1.39, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.89; I = 64%; 5 RCTs, 468 participants; low-certainty evidence) and HBOT may result in a large reduction in wound dehiscence following head and neck soft tissue surgery (RR 0.24, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.94; I = 70%; 2 RCTs, 264 participants; low-certainty evidence). In addition, pain scores in ORN improve slightly after HBOT at 12 months (mean difference (MD) -10.72, 95% CI -18.97 to -2.47; I = 40%; 2 RCTs, 157 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Regarding adverse events, HBOT results in a higher risk of a reduction in visual acuity (RR 4.03, 95% CI 1.65 to 9.84; 5 RCTs, 438 participants; high-certainty evidence). There was a risk of ear barotrauma in people receiving HBOT when no sham pressurisation was used for the control group (RR 9.08, 95% CI 2.21 to 37.26; I = 0%; 4 RCTs, 357 participants; high-certainty evidence), but no such increase when a sham pressurisation was employed (RR 1.07, 95% CI 0.52 to 2.21; I = 74%; 2 RCTs, 158 participants; high-certainty evidence).
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
These small studies suggest that for people with LRTI affecting tissues of the head, neck, bladder and rectum, HBOT may be associated with improved outcomes (low- to moderate-certainty evidence). HBOT may also result in a reduced risk of wound dehiscence and a modest reduction in pain following head and neck irradiation. However, HBOT is unlikely to influence the risk of death in the short term. HBOT also carries a risk of adverse events, including an increased risk of a reduction in visual acuity (usually temporary) and of ear barotrauma on compression. Hence, the application of HBOT to selected participants may be justified. The small number of studies and participants, and the methodological and reporting inadequacies of some of the primary studies included in this review demand a cautious interpretation. More information is required on the subset of disease severity and tissue type affected that is most likely to benefit from this therapy, the time for which we can expect any benefits to persist and the most appropriate oxygen dose. Further research is required to establish the optimum participant selection and timing of any therapy. An economic evaluation should also be undertaken.
Topics: Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Radiation Injuries; Neoplasms; Osteoradionecrosis; Disease Progression; Pain; Barotrauma
PubMed: 37585677
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD005005.pub5 -
Oral Surgery, Oral Medicine, Oral... May 2023The purpose of this manuscript is to review the current literature on osteoradionecrosis of the cervical spine (C-ORN) and to summarize the risk factors, presenting... (Review)
Review
OBJECTIVES
The purpose of this manuscript is to review the current literature on osteoradionecrosis of the cervical spine (C-ORN) and to summarize the risk factors, presenting symptoms and management strategies of this rare condition.
STUDY DESIGN
A systematic review of the literature on C-ORN was completed using PubMed. Nineteen articles met criteria; 97 patient cases were identified. Statistical analysis was completed from the patient cases.
RESULTS
Of the analyzed patients, 72% are male and 28% are female with an average age of 57.7 years. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma was the most common initial diagnosis (72%). Thyroid and other lower neck cancers were associated with a later onset of C-ORN compared with other cancers. C-ORN more commonly occurred in the clivus to C2 (55.3%, P = .004). Onset of C-ORN significantly differed for men (n = 6.99 years) and women (n = 17.5 years) (P = .022).
CONCLUSION
C-ORN can be a devastating complication of head and neck radiation therapy. C-ORN is associated with nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and most commonly affects the area of the clivus to cervical vertebrae C2. Cancers of the lower neck and female sex are associated with later onset. Initial presentation ranges from asymptomatic to severe neurologic deficits; the degree of intervention should be congruent with the severity of presenting symptoms. As long-term survival of patients with head and neck cancer increase, this complication may become more prevalent.
Topics: Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Cervical Vertebrae; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms; Osteoradionecrosis; Retrospective Studies
PubMed: 36529672
DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2022.08.019 -
Current Treatment Options in Oncology Nov 2021Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the mandible is a rare but devastating complication which occurs following radiation therapy for head and neck malignancies. Left untreated,... (Review)
Review
Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the mandible is a rare but devastating complication which occurs following radiation therapy for head and neck malignancies. Left untreated, ORN often results in pathologic fracture of the mandible leading to pain, trismus, difficulty eating, and overall poor quality of life. Historically, early intervention relied on hyperbaric oxygen and local debridement. Patients whose disease progressed despite therapy required segmental resection of the mandible with osseous free flap reconstruction, a highly invasive operation. Patients that presented with a moderate disease without pathologic fracture were often doomed to fail non-operative management, ultimately leading to disease progression and fracture. The traditional dichotomous treatment paradigm left a void of options for patients with moderate disease. The ideal intervention for this category of patients would provide renewed vascularity to the diseased tissue bed allowing for the osteogenesis and reestablishment of strong, load-bearing bone. The innovative technique termed the vascularized fascia lata "rescue flap" has proven to be an effective treatment for moderate ORN and will likely transform dated treatment algorithms.
Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antioxidants; Bone Density Conservation Agents; Debridement; Humans; Hyperbaric Oxygenation; Mandibular Diseases; Mandibular Osteotomy; Mandibular Reconstruction; Oral Hygiene; Osteoradionecrosis; Smoking Cessation; Tooth Extraction; Ultrasonic Therapy
PubMed: 34773495
DOI: 10.1007/s11864-021-00915-3 -
JAMA Otolaryngology-- Head & Neck... Dec 2023Patients with head and neck cancer undergo extraction of teeth with poor prognoses to minimize post-radiation therapy (RT) extractions, which are known to cause...
IMPORTANCE
Patients with head and neck cancer undergo extraction of teeth with poor prognoses to minimize post-radiation therapy (RT) extractions, which are known to cause osteoradionecrosis (ORN). However, many patients are required to start RT before the extraction sites are completely healed. The role of pre-RT extractions in the development of ORN has been disputed in literature.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether the timing of pre-RT dental extractions is associated with ORN development in patients with head and neck cancer.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a single institution (Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Canada) between January 1, 2011, and January 1, 2018, and included 879 patients with head and neck cancer who underwent pre-RT dental extractions before curative RT of 45 Gy or greater. Patient demographic information and clinical characteristics (eg, primary cancer site, nodal involvement, chemotherapy, smoking status, dental pathology) were considered. Data analyses were performed from July to December 2022.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Timing (number of days) from dental extractions to RT start date and pre-RT extractions categorized as healed, minor bone spicules (MBS), or ORN.
RESULTS
The study population consisted of 879 patients with a median (range) age of 62 (20-96) years, with 685 men (78%) and 194 women (22%). Of these, 847 (96.3%) healed from pre-RT dental extractions, 16 (1.8%) developed MBS, and 16 (1.8%) developed ORN. The median (range) time in number of days from pre-RT extraction(s) to start of RT was 9 (0-98) days in the healed cohort, 6 (3-23) days in the MBS cohort, and 6 (0-12) days in the ORN cohort. There was a large difference in the timing of pre-RT extractions between the healed and the MBS cohorts (mean 11.9 vs 7.4 days to radiation; difference 4.4; 95% CI, 1.5-7.3), and the healed and the ORN cohorts (mean 11.9 vs 7.1 days; difference 4.8 days; 95% CI, 2.6-7.1).
CONCLUSION
The findings of this retrospective cohort study suggest that there was an important association between the timing of pre-RT dental extractions and ORN when extractions occurred within 7 days of the RT start date. Despite this, ORN after pre-RT extractions is relatively rare. These findings indicate that patients with head and neck cancer who are to undergo RT should not delay treatment for extractions when it might compromise oncologic control.
Topics: Male; Humans; Female; Middle Aged; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Retrospective Studies; Osteoradionecrosis; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Smoking; Tooth Extraction
PubMed: 37856115
DOI: 10.1001/jamaoto.2023.3429 -
Cureus Jan 2023Objectives Osteoradionecrosis is one of the most severe complications in patients with head and neck cancer, which is characterized by persistent exposed and devitalized...
Objectives Osteoradionecrosis is one of the most severe complications in patients with head and neck cancer, which is characterized by persistent exposed and devitalized bone without proper healing after radiation. The extent to which mandibulotomy and marginal mandibulectomy influence the occurrence of osteoradionecrosis remains unclear. This study evaluated the incidence and risk factors for developing osteoradionecrosis of the mandible after oral cancer treatments. Methods A retrospective study was performed to analyze medical records of patients who underwent surgery and postoperative radiotherapy for oral cancers from 2009 to 2019 at a tertiary care hospital. Patient characteristics, incidence, and risk factors for developing osteoradionecrosis were reviewed. Comparisons between continuous and categorical data were performed using t-test and Chi-squared test. Cox regression analysis was used to assess the association between factors and the development of osteoradionecrosis. Results Among the 61 patients included in the study, osteoradionecrosis of the mandible occurred in 9 of 32 (28.1%) patients who underwent mandibular surgery during oral cancer resection (marginal mandibulectomy and/or mandibulotomy) and 2 of 29 (6.9%) patients without mandibular surgery. The development of osteoradionecrosis was significantly associated with performing mandibular surgery (hazard ratio 4.64, 95% confidence interval: 1.002, 21.5) and HIV infection (hazard ratio 8.53, 95% confidence interval: 2.2, 33.3). In the subgroup analysis of mandibular surgery, the development of osteoradionecrosis significantly increased in patients undergoing mandibulotomy (hazard ratio 6.62, 95% confidence interval: 1.3, 34.8) but not in patients undergoing marginal mandibulectomy (hazard ratio 3.56, 95% confidence interval: 0.6, 22.0). The analysis also showed that concurrent chemoradiation, radiation doses ≥ 60 Gy, and smoking were potential risk factors for the development of osteoradionecrosis, but none of these factors were statistically significant. Conclusion Our findings suggest that mandibular surgery is a significant risk factor for the development of osteoradionecrosis in patients with oral cancer. Further studies including larger population sizes are required to verify these findings.
PubMed: 36788906
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33628 -
Journal of Maxillofacial and Oral... Sep 2022Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a painful and debilitating serious late complication following treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) often requiring surgical resection of... (Review)
Review
Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a painful and debilitating serious late complication following treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) often requiring surgical resection of the jaw and complex multidisciplinary management. An important aggravating factor for mandibular ORN is surgical trauma, commonly dental extractions or implant placement following head and neck radiotherapy. The evidence on the treatment protocols ranges from conservative management to more radical surgical strategies including the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The available evidence on the preventive approaches for ORN includes prophylactic dental care prior to radiotherapy, the use of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) treatment and prophylactic antibiotics for post-radiotherapy extractions. However, the efficacy of hyperbaric oxygen therapy has been questioned recently signifying poor understanding of the pathophysiology of the condition and therapies targeting the fibroatrophic process have become a focus of ORN treatment. Implementing recent IMRT radiation techniques has also shown evidence to reduce the incidence of ORN. This review provides an insight into the variations in definition and classification of the ORN, the controversies in its pathophysiology and the advances in the prevention and management.
PubMed: 36274865
DOI: 10.1007/s12663-021-01680-4 -
The Saudi Dental Journal Jul 2023Radiotherapy is one of the treatment modalities for the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC). However, it leads to the development of chronic and acute side effects.... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Radiotherapy is one of the treatment modalities for the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC). However, it leads to the development of chronic and acute side effects. These side effects impact negatively on the patient's quality of life and oral functioning. This clinical review aims to provide basic information about HNC, understand the impact of radiotherapy on oral health, and explain the role of dental care providers for HNC patients during the pre-and post-radiotherapy time.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Electronic databases (i.e., PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar) were searched using defined keywords. The main inclusion criteria were any studies describing and
RESULTS
Thematic analysis was used to summaries the findings of the included studies (n = 102) into main headings and subheadings. All studies were published between 1970 and 2023.
CONCLUSION
The number of HNC patients is increasing. This necessitates the need for raising the awareness of dental care providers to the side-effects of HNC therapy which includes treatment with radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and/or surgery. Dental care providers should understand the common side-effects and their treatments besides their role in the pre- (i.e., dental extraction of teeth with poor prognosis and maintaining good oral hygiene) and post- (i.e., oral rehabilitation and post-HNC dental care) radiotherapy dental care.
PubMed: 37520601
DOI: 10.1016/j.sdentj.2023.05.009 -
Dental Clinics of North America Jul 2023Human papilloma virus (HPV)-attributable head and neck cancers (HNCs) are on the rise, impacting younger patients compared with HPV (-) HNC. Fortunately, HPV (+) HNCs... (Review)
Review
Human papilloma virus (HPV)-attributable head and neck cancers (HNCs) are on the rise, impacting younger patients compared with HPV (-) HNC. Fortunately, HPV (+) HNCs are associated with favorable prognoses and tend to be radiosensitive. However, radiation therapy for the treatment of HNC is associated with acute and chronic normal tissue toxicity to salivary glands, muscles, bone, and the oral cavity and presents a treatment challenge. Thus, the prevention of normal tissue injury and optimization of oral health are key. Dental teams are important members of the multidisciplinary cancer team.
Topics: Humans; Dental Care; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Human Papillomavirus Viruses; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms; Osteoradionecrosis; Papillomavirus Infections
PubMed: 37244713
DOI: 10.1016/j.cden.2023.02.017