Study Design: Validation of clinical acceptability of deep-learning-based automated segmentation of organs-at-risk for head-and-neck radiotherapy treatment planning

This document reports the design of a retrospective study to validate the clinical acceptability of a deep-learning-based model for the autosegmentation of organs-at-risk (OARs) for use in radiotherapy treatment planning for head & neck (H&N) cancer patients.

Comparison of the use of Solidago chilensis (Arnica) and low-level laser therapy for the prevention of oral mucositis in patients submitted of head and neck radiotherapy and/or high toxicity chemotherapy

The oral mucositis is an adverse event of radiotherapy and/or high toxicity chemotherapy. The Solidago chilensis (Arnica) has been used for its antiseptic, analgesic, healing and anti-inflammatory properties. Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the uses of Arnica for oral mucositis prevention in patients submitted to radiotherapy for head and neck tumors treatment and/or high toxicity chemotherapy. Methodology: The determination of the cytotoxicity index of the aqueous extract was determined in vitro. The oral mucosa was evaluated in days 0, 10 and 14 of patients in the groups: treated with lasertherapy (L, n=18), treated with Arnica (A, n=24) and, treated with lasertherapy associated with Arnica (LA, n=4). It was considered significant p<0.05. Results: It was determined IC50=90,74 μg/mL of Arnica’s aqueous extract in SCC-4 cells. The development of oral mucositis was associated with the type of treatment for oral mucositis prevention: L, A, and LA (χ2 = 24,72, p<0.0001). The level of oral mucositis had significant interaction with the type of prevention treatment [F(2) = 9.545, p<0.0001] and, within 14 days [F(2) = 11.995, p<0.0001]. Conclusions: The results obtained suggest which the use of Solidago chilensis (Arnica) can be an important therapeutic option for treatment with low-level laser therapy for oral mucositis prevention in patients submitted of head and neck radiotherapy and/or high toxicity chemotherapy.

POTENTIAL OF OZONE WATER TO REDUCE THE SEVERITY OF ORAL MUCOSITIS IN PATIENTS POST HEAD AND NECK RADIOTHERAPY

Background: Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the world after heart disease. One type of cancer, namely head and neck cancer, can be treated with head and neck radiotherapy. Continuous radiotherapy will cause an increase in oxidative stress and free radicals and damage to the oral mucosa, one of which is oral mucositis. Giving ozone water can help reduce the degree of oral mucositis in patients. Ozone water itself has several beneficial effects such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial. The purpose of this study was to determine the potential of ozone water in reducing the severity of oral mucositis in patients after head and neck radiotherapy.Method: Gargling treatment using ozone water in a ratio of 2:3 for 1 minute with 4 repetitions for 2 weeks showed a significant reduction in pain. Ozone used in gas or liquid form for more than 5 minutes has the potential to cause side effects on the duration of inflammation and for gas can cause infection in the respiratory tract.Conclusion: The conclusion of this review is that the administration of ozone water with a concentration of 2-4 ppm for approximately 5 minutes has the potential to cure oral mucositis due to head and neck radiotherapy

Xerostomia among elderly patients – systematic review

Introduction and purpose: Xerostomia is a salivary secretion malfunction that affects from 1 to 29% of the population. It is a common problem among elderly patients, however undeniably it still remains an underdiagnosed issue. Searching among available literature in the PubMed database with the following phrases: xerostomia; elderly, the aim of this article was to provide a broad review on the underdiagnosed problem which is xerostomia among elderly patients. Description: A group at risk of developing xerostomia are people over 65 years old and women in the perimenopausal period. Although dry mouth varies in etiology, geriatric patients mostly develop xerostomia as a result of head and neck radiotherapy, Sjögren syndrome or medication treatment. Untreated symptoms can lead to severe issues which heavily impact not only oral health of the patient, but also their everyday life quality, since xerostomia may lead into difficulty of speaking, swallowing and tasting. The plan of treatment is influenced by the etiology of the case, however it is aimed to stimulate salivary flow and eradicate the use of unnecessary medication which may cause dry mouth. Prevention of dry mouth is based on maintenance of good oral hygiene. Conclusions: Diagnosing the problem early can prevent patients from suffering the consequences of chronic xerostomia, therefore awareness should be brought to this issue. Dentist could also highly improve the quality of xerostomic patient’s life, if the chosen treatment significantly improved patient’s symptoms.