What Researchers Did
Researchers looked back at medical records of 250 patients who received radiation therapy for head and neck cancer to identify factors leading to jaw bone damage between 2002 and 2010.
What They Found
Out of 250 patients, 25 (10%) developed osteoradionecrosis of the jaw, with 72% of these cases linked to tooth extraction. Most patients (20 out of 25) needed surgery to remove part of their jaw, and none of the patients in this study received hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian patients undergoing radiation for head and neck cancer should prioritize dental check-ups and any necessary dental work before starting treatment to reduce the risk of osteoradionecrosis. Regular monitoring after radiation is also important to catch any signs of jaw bone damage early, potentially preventing the need for extensive surgery.
Canadian Relevance
This study covers osteoradionecrosis, which is a Health Canada-recognized indication for hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
Study Limitations
A limitation is that this retrospective study did not include patients who received hyperbaric oxygen therapy, so it cannot evaluate its potential benefits.