Chemotherapy increases the prevalence of radiotherapy-related trismus in head and neck cancer patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: To evaluate the influence of chemotherapy on the prevalence of trismus in irradiated head and neck cancer patients. Material and Methods: This systematic review guided by PRISMA-2020 and registered in PROSPERO (CRD42021255377) screened 963 articles in 7 scientific-databases (PubMed, Lilacs, Livivo, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, EBSCO) and 3 grey-literature databases (Open Grey, Google Scholar, ProQuest) and eight articles were included for qualitative synthesis, meta-analysis (combined odds ratio, inverse variance method plus random effects), heterogeneity analysis (I² and Tau²), one-of-out evaluation and publication bias analysis (Eggs' and Begg's tests) (RevMan®, p<0.05). The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale Cohort Studies was used to assess the risk of bias (RoB). The classification assessment, development, and recommendations (GRADE) approach was used to assess the certainty of evidence. Results: The eight articles evaluated 1474 patients treated with chemoradiotherapy and 858 patients treated with radiotherapy. Five articles had low RoB, and three had high RoB. Chemoradiotherapy significantly (p=0.0003) increased the prevalence of trismus (OR=2.55, 95% CI = 1.53-4.23) compared to radiotherapy, with significant (p=0.010) but low heterogeneity (I²=59%;Tau²=0.29). There was no significant risk of publication bias, one-out analysis showed no significant difference between studies, and GRADE showed a moderate level of evidence. Trismus was directly associated to worse quality of life. Conclusions: The incidence of trismus increases when chemotherapy is combined with radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, which negatively impacts the quality of life. Key words:Radiotherapy, Chemoradiotherapy, Head and Neck Neoplasms, Trismus, Quality of Life.

Photobiomodulation therapy in the treatment of radiotherapy-related trismus of the head and neck.

This study evaluated photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) for treatment of trismus in patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC). Sixteen patients, 10 men and 6 women, who had a mouth opening < 35 mm and underwent RT were included. The patients were evaluated daily before and after the PBMT application, measuring mouth opening and performing pain scores for the masticatory muscles using the visual analog scale (VAS). We used the infrared laser (~ 808 nm) extraorally, 0.1 W power, 3 J energy, 30 s (107 J/cm2) per point, applied to temporalis anterior, masseter muscles, and temporomandibular joints (TMJ). An intraoral point was made in the trigonoretromolar region towards the medial pterygoid muscle. The mean mouth opening of the patients increased by more than 7 mm throughout the treatment. The pain scores on the initial days showed an immediate reduction after PBMT on the ipsilateral side in the muscles and TMJ. Throughout PBMT applications, there was a significant reduction in pain scores in all muscles and the TMJ. The radiation dose of all patients was above 40 Gy, which is the threshold dose for the risk of developing trismus. SPSS software was used and adopted a confidence of 95%. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov normality test, Wilcoxon test, and Spearman correlation were performed. PBMT controls muscular pain and reduced mouth opening limitation in HNC during radiotherapy. Further studies are needed to evaluate the preventive capacity of PBMT protocols for RT trismus-related HNC.

Oral rehabilitation after partial maxilectomy for removal of pleomorphic adenoma: case report / Reabilitação oral após maxilectomia parcial para remoção de adenoma pleomórfico: relato de caso

ABSTRACT Salivary gland tumors account for only 3%-5% of all tumors in the head and neck, 10%-15% of which originate from minor salivary glands. Pleomorphic adenoma is a benign lesion of the salivary gland, most commonly occurring in the region of the hard and soft palates. The treatment of choice for pleomorphic adenomas is with the partial or total function of the extension of the lesion, and placing palatal obturators are one method of reestablishing masticatory function and facial esthetics. This study aimed to rehabilitate a patient using a palatal implant following partial maxillectomy for the removal of a pleomorphic adenoma. A young patient with pleomorphic adenoma of the hard palate underwent a partial right-sided maxillectomy procedure which removed the hard palate and alveolar regions of the molars. Prior to surgery, the patient was assessed to make a surgical guide for resection of the tumor, as well as a provisional obturator plate using orthodontic wire clasps. After healing, the patient was rehabilitated using a palatal obturator which had been incorporated into a removable partial denture. The clinical sequence used to fabricate the final prosthesis was as follows: initial molding after surgery, prosthesis design, preparation of the mouth, work molding, structure testing and orientation planning, teeth testing and installation, and periodic maintenance. Thus, we can conclude that the palatal obturator is an excellent means of restoring a patient's oral function, facial esthetics, and overall quality of life.

RESUMO Os tumores de glândulas salivares representam apenas 3%-5% de todos os tumores em região de cabeça e pescoço, dentre eles 10%-15% se originam de glândulas salivares menores. O adenoma pleomórfico é uma lesão benigna de glândula salivar, tendo uma maior prevalência em região de palato. O tratamento dessas lesões se dá por método excisional ou maxilectomia dependendo da extensão da lesão e, uma das formas de reestabelecimento da estética e função do paciente é com um obturador palatino. O objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar uma reabilitação oral através da utilização de um obturador palatino em um paciente submetido a maxilectomia parcial para remoção de adenoma pleomórfico. Paciente de 22 anos, com adenoma pleomórfico em região de palato, foi submetido a maxilectomia parcial, removendo região de palato duro e região alveolar dos molares do lado direito. Foi realizada moldagem da maxila previamente a cirurgia para confecção de um guia cirúrgico, o guia foi utilizado na ressecção do tumor e, serviu também, para confecção de uma placa obturadora provisória associada a fios ortodônticos. Após cicatrização completa, foi acordado que a reabilitação do paciente seria com uma prótese parcial removível do tipo obturador palatino. A sequência clínica para a realização da prótese foi: moldagem inicial após a cirurgia, delineamento, preparo de boca, moldagem de trabalho, prova da infraestrutura e plano de orientação, prova dos dentes, instalação e manutenções periódicas. Com isso, podemos concluir que o obturador palatino é um excelente meio de reestabelecer função e estética do paciente, melhorando sua qualidade de vida.

Risk factors to port-a-cat damage/removal in patients in antineoplastic chemotherapy: a retrospective observational study / Fatores de risco para danos ou retirada de port-a-cath em pacientes em quimioterapia antineoplásica: Um estudo observacional retrospective

Objective: To identify the prevalence and risk factors for damage or removal of fully implanted long-term catheters from patients undergoing antineoplastic chemotherapy. Methods: This is an observational, cross-sectional study that evaluated medical records of patients undergoing placement of a fully implanted catheter for antineoplastic chemotherapy from January 2015 to December 2019. Clinical and sociodemographic data were collected that were associated with catheter survival using Log-Rank Mantel-Cox and Cox Regression tests (SPSS, p<0.05). Results: Of 58 devices evaluated, most patients were higher educated married females, younger than 60 years old. The most frequent side of catheter implantation was the right side, and the most prevalent implantation site was the internal jugular vein. Less than 1/3 of patients (29.3%) had port-a-cath loss due to complications with a five-year follow-up survival of 35.73±3.76 (95% CI = 28.35-43.11). Two patients (4.7%) needed removal due to device exposure, three (7.0%) due to obstruction, and 12 (27.9%) due to infection. Female patients (p=0.019) and patients with breast tumors (p=0.049) had a shorter mean survival time. The women showed port-a-cath survival 9.25 times (95% CI = 1.35-50.25) shorter in the multivariate analysis. Conclusion: port-a-cath catheter loss is around 30% and being female is a determining risk factor.

Objetivo: Identificar a prevalência e os fatores de risco para danos ou retirada de cateter de longa permanência totalmente implantado em pacientes submetidos à quimioterapia antineoplásica. Metodos: Trata-se de um estudo observacional transversal que avaliou prontuários de pacientes submetidos à colocação de cateter totalmente implantado para quimioterapia antineoplásica, no período de janeiro de 2015 a dezembro de 2019. Foram coletados dados clínicos e sociodemográficos associados à sobrevida do cateter por meio do Log-Rank testes de Mantel-Cox e Regressão de Cox (SPSS, p<0,005). Resultados: Dos 58 dispositivos avaliados, a maioria dos pacientes era mulheres casadas com nivel superior de escolaridade e com idade inferior a 60 anos. O lado mais frequente de implantação do cateter foi o direito, e o local de implantação mais prevalente foi a veia jugular interna. Pouco menos de 1/3 dos pacientes (29,3%) tiveram perda de port-a-cath devido complicações com uma sobrevida de seguimento de cinco anos de 35,73±3.76 (IC 95% = 28.35-43.11). Dois pacientes (4,7%) necessitaram de remoção por exposição do dispositivo, três (7,0%) por obstrução e 12 (27,9%) por infecção. Pacientes do sexo feminino (p=0,0019) e pacientes com tumores de mama (p=0,049) apresentam menor tempo médio de sobrevida. As mulheres apresentaram sobrevida port-a-cath 9,25 vezes (IC 95%=1,35-50,25) menor na análise multivariada. Conclusão: A perda do cateter port-a-cath foi de aproximadamente 30% e ser do sexo feminino foi um fator de risco importante.

Risk factors for oral mucositis during chemotherapy treatmentfor solid tumors: a retrospective STROBE-guided study

Background: This study retrospectively analyzed the risk factors for transchemotherapy oral mucositis (OM).Material and Methods: Before each chemotherapy cycle, patients were routinely evaluated for the presence/severity of OM based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0 scale for adverse effectsand graded as follows: However, specific conditions such as mucositis are graded on a five-point scale: 0, absenceof mucositis, grade 1 (Asymptomatic or mild), 2 (Presence of pain and moderate ulceration, without interferencewith food intake), 3 (severe pain with interference with food intake) or 4 (Life-threatening with the need for urgentintervention). Information from 2 years of evaluations was collected and patient medical records were reviewed toobtain data on chemotherapy cycle, sex, age, body mass index, body surface area, primary tumor, chemotherapyprotocol, and history of head and neck radiotherapy. The X² test and multinomial logistic regression were used forstatistical analysis (SPSS 20.0, p<0.05).Results: Among 19,000 total evaluations of 3,529 patients during 5.32±4.7 chemotherapy cycles (CT) the prevalence of OM was 6.3% (n=1,195). Chemotherapy duration (p<0.001), female sex (p=0.001), adjuvant intention(p=0.008) and the use of carboplatin (p=0.001), cisplatin (p=0.029), docetaxel (p<0.001) and bevacizumab(p=0.026) independently increased the risk of mucositis. In head and neck tumors, 2018 year (p=0.017), chemotherapy duration (p=0.018), BMI>30 (p=0.008), radiotherapy (p=0.037) and use of carboplatin (p=0.046) andcyclophosphamide (p=0.010) increased this prevalence.Conclusions: Cycles of chemotherapy, sex, cytotoxicity drugs, bevacizumab and head and neck radiotherapy increase the risk of OM in solid tumors. (AU)

Prognostic factors and overall survival in a 15-year followup of patients with malignant salivary gland tumors: a retrospective analysis of 193 patients / Fatores prognósticos e sobrevida global em um seguimento de 15 anos de pacientes com tumores malignos da glândula salivar: uma análise retrospectiva de 193 pacientes

Abstract Introduction Malignant tumors of the salivary glands are uncommon pathological entities, representing less than 5% of head and neck neoplasms. The prognosis of patients with malignant tumors of the salivary glands is highly variable and certain clinical factors can significantly influence overall survival. Objective To analyze the clinicopathologic and sociodemographic characteristics that influence survival in patients with malignant tumors of the salivary glands Methods This retrospective study analyzed sex, age, race, education level, tumor location, tumor size, lymph node involvement, distant metastasis, margin status, treatment type, marital status, method of health care access and 15-year overall survival in 193 patients with malignant tumors of the salivary glands. The X², log-rank Mantel-Cox, multinomial regression and Cox logistic regression tests were used (SPSS 20.0,p < 0.05). Results The most common histological types were adenocarcinoma (32.1%), adenoid cystic carcinoma (31.1%) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (18.7%). The 15-year overall survival rate was 67.4%, with a mean of 116 ± 6 months. The univariate analysis revealed that male sex (p = 0.026), age > 50 years (p = 0.001), referral origin from the public health system (p = 0.011), T stage (p = 0.007), M stage (p < 0.001), clinical stage (p < 0.001), compromised surgical margins (p = 0.013), and chemotherapy (p < 0.001) were associated with a poor prognosis. Multivariate analyses also showed that age > 50 years was independently associated with a poor prognosis (p = 0.016). The level of education was the only factor more prevalent in older patients (p = 0.011). Conclusion Patients with malignant tumors of the salivary glands older than 50 years have a worse prognosis and an independent association with a low education level.

Resumo Introdução Os tumores malignos das glândulas salivares são entidades patológicas incomuns, representam menos de 5% das neoplasias de cabeça e pescoço. O prognóstico dos pacientes com tumores malignos das glândulas salivares é altamente variável e alguns fatores clínicos podem influenciar significativamente a sobrevida global. Objetivo Analisar as características clinicopatológicas e sociodemográficas que influenciam a sobrevida em pacientes com tumores malignos das glândulas salivares. Método Este estudo retrospectivo analisou sexo, idade, etnia, nível de escolaridade, localização do tumor, tamanho do tumor, envolvimento linfonodal, metástase distante, margens, tipo de tratamento, estado civil, método de acesso à assistência médica e sobrevida global em 15 anos de 193 pacientes com tumores malignos das glândulas salivares. Foram usados os testes X2, log-rank Mantel-Cox, regressão multinomial e regressão logística de Cox (SPSS 20.0, p < 0,05). Resultados Os tipos histológicos mais comuns foram adenocarcinoma (32,1%), carcinoma adenoide cístico (31,1%) e carcinoma mucoepidermoide (18,7%). A taxa de sobrevida global em 15 anos foi de 67,4%, com média de 116 ± 6 meses. A análise univariada revelou que sexo masculino (p = 0,026), idade > 50 anos (p = 0,001), origem de referência do sistema público de saúde (p = 0,011), estádio T (p = 0,007), estádio M (p < 0,001)), estágio clínico (p < 0,001), margens cirúrgicas comprometidas (p = 0,013) e quimioterapia (p < 0,001) foram associados a um prognóstico ruim. As análises multivariadas também mostraram que a idade > 50 anos foi associada independentemente a um prognóstico ruim (p = 0,016). O nível de escolaridade foi o único fator mais prevalente em pacientes idosos (p = 0,011). Conclusão Pacientes com tumores malignos das glândulas salivares acima de 50 anos apresentam pior prognóstico e associação independente com baixo nível de escolaridade.

Prognostic factors and overall survival in a 15-year followup of patients with malignant salivary gland tumors: a retrospective analysis of 193 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Malignant tumors of the salivary glands are uncommon pathological entities, representing less than 5% of head and neck neoplasms. The prognosis of patients with malignant tumors of the salivary glands is highly variable and certain clinical factors can significantly influence overall survival. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinicopathologic and sociodemographic characteristics that influence survival in patients with malignant tumors of the salivary glands METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed sex, age, race, education level, tumor location, tumor size, lymph node involvement, distant metastasis, margin status, treatment type, marital status, method of health care access and 15-year overall survival in 193 patients with malignant tumors of the salivary glands. The X², log-rank Mantel-Cox, multinomial regression and Cox logistic regression tests were used (SPSS 20.0,p < 0.05). RESULTS: The most common histological types were adenocarcinoma (32.1%), adenoid cystic carcinoma (31.1%) and mucoepidermoid carcinoma (18.7%). The 15-year overall survival rate was 67.4%, with a mean of 116±6 months. The univariate analysis revealed that male sex (p = 0.026), age > 50 years (p=0.001), referral origin from the public health system (p=0.011), T stage (p= 0.007), M stage (p< 0.001), clinical stage (p< 0.001), compromised surgical margins (p= 0.013), and chemotherapy (p< 0.001) were associated with a poor prognosis. Multivariate analyses also showed that age > 50 years was independently associated with a poor prognosis (p= 0.016). The level of education was the only factor more prevalent in older patients (p= 0.011). CONCLUSION: Patients with malignant tumors of the salivary glands older than 50 years have a worse prognosis and an independent association with a low education level.

Risk factors for dysgeusia during chemotherapy for solid tumors: a retrospective cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: This study retrospectively analyzed the risk factors for transchemotherapy dysgeusia. METHODS: Before each chemotherapy cycle, patients were routinely evaluated for the presence/severity of dysgeusia based on the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v5.0 scale for adverse effects and graded as follows: 0, no change in taste; 1, altered taste with no impact on eating habits; or 2, altered taste with an impact on eating habits. Information from 2 years of evaluations was collected and patient medical records were reviewed to obtain data on chemotherapy cycle, sex, age, body mass index, body surface area, primary tumor, chemotherapy protocol, and history of head and neck radiotherapy. The X2 test and multinomial logistic regression were used for statistical analysis (SPSS 20.0, p < 0.05). RESULTS: Among 7425 total patients, 3047, 2447, and 1931 were evaluated after the first, second, and third chemotherapy cycles, respectively. One-fifth of the patients (19.0%) presented a significant loss of taste, with 1118 (15.0%) showing grade 1 dysgeusia and 442 (6.0%) showing grade 2 dysgeusia. The chemotherapy duration (p < 0.001), female sex (p < 0.001), location of the primary tumor in the uterus (p = 0.008), head and neck (p = 0.012), and testicles (p = 0.011), and use of ifosfamide (p = 0.009), docetaxel (p = 0.001), paclitaxel (p < 0.001), pertuzumab (p = 0.005), bevacizumab (p < 0.001), and dacarbazine (p = 0.002) independently increased the risk of dysgeusia. In head and neck tumors, a previous history of radiotherapy significantly increased the prevalence of dysgeusia (p = 0.017), and the use of cisplatin (p = 0.001) increased this prevalence. CONCLUSION: Cycles of chemotherapy, sex, uterine cancer, head and neck tumors, testicular cancer, ifosfamide, docetaxel, paclitaxel, pertuzumab, bevacizumab, and dacarbazine increase the risk of dysgeusia.

Photobiomodulation therapy prevents dysgeusia chemotherapy induced in breast cancer women treated with doxorubicin plus cyclophosphamide: a triple-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of photobiomodulation (PBMT) in preventing dysgeusia in breast cancer patients treated with doxorubicin-cyclophosphamide (AC). METHODS: This is a phase II, randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial involving 112 breast cancer patients treated with AC. The patients were divided equally into two groups: a test group treated with 2 J red laser and 3 J infrared laser on 21 points that were symmetrically distributed on the tongue on day 0 of four cycles of AC, and an equal placebo group treated with simulated PBMT to blind the patient, evaluator, and statistician. The clinicopathological and sociodemographic data, results of taste test, and subjective taste analysis, and the QoL, ECOG performance status, body mass index, and other side effects were recorded. The data were analyzed using ANOVA-RM/Bonferroni, Friedman/Dunn, and chi-square/Fisher's exact tests. RESULTS: PBMT patients showed less objective and subjective taste loss (p<0.05). On the other hand, the placebo group showed a higher ECOG status (p=0.037) and more significant weight loss (p<0.001) after four cycles of AC. The QoL was significantly higher in the PBMT group (p<0.05) at all assessment periods, and PBMT treatment also reduced the incidence of cachexia (p=0.020), anorexia (p<0.001), diarrhea (p=0.040), oral mucositis (p=0.020), and vomiting (p=0.008). CONCLUSION: PBMT reduced the taste loss and improved the overall health status and QoL of patients with breast cancer treated with AC. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry ( www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br ) approval number RBR-9qnm34y, registered on 01/05/2021.

Association of anxiety, depression, and stress with burning mouth syndrome: a case-control study.

Burning mouth syndrome (BMS) is a painful disorder characterized by severe burning in the oral cavity in the absence of clinical signs. In this case-control study, 60 patients were allocated to 3 groups: patients with BMS, patients with benign changes in the oral cavity (anxiety [positive] control group), or healthy patients (negative control group). A visual analog scale (VAS), Beck Anxiety and Depression inventories, Lipp Stress Symptoms Inventory, Xerostomia Inventory-Dutch Version, and a BMS questionnaire were used. Statistical analyses (P < 0.05) were performed using the Kruskal-Wallis with Dunn post hoc, Pearson chi-square, Fisher exact, and multinomial logistic regression tests. Most of the patients were female. The BMS group had more patients who were older than 60 years (P = 0.008), more patients with high VAS scores (P < 0.001), and more patients with moderate or severe anxiety (P < 0.001) and depression (P < 0.001) than the 2 control groups. Patients in the BMS group also had higher rates of stress during the alarm (P = 0.003), resistance (P < 0.001), and exhaustion phases (P < 0.001). All patients with BMS reported burning and xerostomia, 90% reported a feeling of dry mouth, and 80% reported a change in taste; these values were significantly higher than those in the control groups (P < 0.001). Anxiety was independently associated with a 123.80 times greater risk of having BMS (P = 0.004). Psychological factors are directly associated with BMS, and anxiety is the most important of these factor.

Dental infection associated with exuberant gingival necrosis in a patient with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria: A case report.

Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a hematological disorder that affects hematopoietic stem cells. An association with other hematological diseases, such as hemolytic anemia and neutropenia, is observed with a high occurrence of aplastic anemia. The aim of the present study is to report a case of dental infection in a patient with PNH exhibiting exuberant gingival involvement. A 45-year-old male patient sought the Federal University of Ceara reporting severe toothache associated with tooth 24. Clinical examination revealed that the tooth was associated with an apparent fistula and a yellowish lesion with smooth surface located in the palate. The patient had interrupted the medication to control PNH. Blood transfusion was requested due to deficient hematological parameters. Tooth extraction and excisional biopsy were performed under antibiotic coverage. In the postoperative period, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) was performed. Histopathological examination revealed connective tissue showing extensive necrotic areas, accumulation of basophilic material, numerous cyst-like cavities, and degenerated cells. Histopathological findings were compatible with the initial clinical diagnosis of gingival necrosis. The patient evolved with febrile neutropenia, requiring hospitalization for 1 month. Improvement in the overall health was observed after the administration of antibiotics, eculizumab, and weekly LLLT at the biopsy site.