Evaluation of oral prophylaxis during and after intensity-modulated radiotherapy due to head and neck cancer--a retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the influence of a prophylaxis protocol of head and neck tumor (HNT) patients during and after intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). MATERIAL AND METHOD: In this 5-year retrospective study (2009-2013), 70 (m 55, f 15; age range 28-8 years; median 58.7 years) out of 248 HNT patients of the Clinic of Cranio-Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery at the University of Zurich, Switzerland, fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Parameters of investigation were the salivary flow rates, possible dental foci and the dental status, oral side effects of radiotherapy, the prophylaxis protocol, and patient's compliance to this protocol. The following time points before during and after IMRT (6 weeks) were analyzed: prior to IMRT, 2-4 weeks, 6 weeks and 3, 6, and 12 months after the onset of radiotherapy. RESULT: Unstimulated salivary flow rate, pH value of unstimulated salivary, and stimulated salivary flow rate showed a significant reduction over time (p < 0.001). One year after IMRT, both unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow showed a statistically significant lower salivary flow. The number of caries-affected sites per patient was significantly higher for patients with low compliance to the prophylaxis protocol (mean: low compliance 1.36, high compliance 0.26). Almost 75% of the evaluated patients suffered immediate gustatory change, and 47.1% showed signs of radiostomatitis through IMRT. CONCLUSIONS: High compliance to the prophylaxis protocol during and after radiotherapy is a key factor for the reduction of radiation side effects on dental hard tissue. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: High compliance to a monitored prophylaxis program is crucial for patients after head and neck surgery.

Osteopathology associated with bone resorption inhibitors - which role does Actinomyces play? A presentation of 51 cases with systematic review of the literature.

BACKGROUND: Bone resorption inhibitor-related osteopathology of the jaw (BRIOJ) is a severe complication in patients treated with bisphosphonates or denosumab. However, the precise pathogenesis of BRIOJ is not yet fully understood. Recent studies discovered the presence of Actinomyces colonies in biopsy material from BRIOJ patients. The aim of this study was to analyze current knowledge concerning the impact of Actinomyces on the pathogenesis of this condition and to present data from our own patients. METHODS: Data from 51 patients with histopathological diagnoses of BRIOJ were retrospectively analyzed. In addition, a systematic literature search for studies describing the presence of Actinomyces was performed. RESULTS: Actinomyces was present in 86% of our cases and 63.3% of 371 cases presented in the literature. All of our patients and 85% of patients described in the literature had a clearly defined local focus in association with osteopathology. A clear picture of whether Actinomyces colonizes the previously necrotic bone or contributes to inflammation causing subsequent bone necrosis is lacking in the literature. CONCLUSION: The pathogenesis of BRIOJ remains unknown; however, there seems to be a role for Actinomyces, and possibly other pathogens, in the development of osteopathology of the jaws, which is not exclusive to bisphosphonate therapy. This study supports the hypothesis that an infectious component is of utmost importance for the pathogenesis of BRIOJ.

Jaw osteonecrosis related to bisphosphonate therapy: a severe secondary disorder.

Bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (BON), first described in 2003, is gaining importance due to the increasing indication spectrum of bisphosphonate therapy [S. Takeyama, M. Ito, H. Shinoda, A novel bisphosphonate, TRK-530, for periodontitis, Bone 38 (2006) 31-31; M. Tagil, A. W-Dahl, J. Astrand, D. Little, S. Toksvig-Larsen, Decreasing the catabolic response by a single bisphosphonate infusion shortens the healing time in hemicallotasis operations, Bone 38 (2006) 84-85; E. Rodriguez, M.C. Duran, L.M. Rodriguez, R. Ros, M.R. Aleman, M. Rodriguez-Gaspar, A.M. Lopez, E. Garcia-Valdecasas, F. Santolaria, Intravenous (IV) bisphosphonates for osteopenic cancer survivor women: an alternative treatment, Bone 38 (2006) 72-73; D.G. Little, K. Ward, P. Kiely, M.C. Bellemore, J. Briody, C.T. Cowell, Bisphosphonate rescue in distraction osteogenesis: a case series, Bone 38 (2006) 80-80; R. Marx, Pamidronate (Aredia) and zoledronate (Zometa) induced avascular necrosis of the jaws: a growing epidemic, J. Oral Maxillofac. Surg. 61 (2003) 1115-1118]. BON patients suffering from varying bony defects and symptoms are extremely restricted in their quality of life. Due to a limited knowledge of the aetiology of BON efficient evidence-based treatment strategies are lacking. Until now 23 patients with bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis have been admitted to the Department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery of the University of Zurich. A complete history has been recorded. All patients underwent clinical and radiographic examination. CT scans and MRI have been performed in selected cases. All patients had in common that, before signs of BON were observed, a local traumatic incidence had occurred. All patients showed signs of infection which could be remarkably reduced by antibacterial treatment. Furthermore, the period of bisphosphonate treatment was found to be one of the significant factors causing bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the jaws. The aetiology of BON appears to depend on multiple factors: period and type of bisphosphonate therapy and trauma paving the way for an invasion of pathogens. Because evidence based therapy protocols for complete remodelling of bone defect are still missing, prevention in bisphosphonate-treated patients seems to be of utmost importance. A close interdisciplinary collaboration is required.

The galea fascia flap in orbital reconstruction: innovative harvest technique.

AIM: To report the treatment of a recurrent adenoid-cystic carcinoma of the lacrimal gland required orbital exenteration with an en bloc resection of the lateral orbital rim and wall and an anterior portion of the temporal muscle. Reconstruction was planned with both the objectives of a shortened healing time for faster epithetic reconstruction and no visible scars. METHOD: After a cranially extended temporal approach, the dissection of the superficial galea layer was connected with the subcutaneous dissection of the upper and lower eyelid after subciliary incisions. RESULTS: Ample exposure of the temporal, frontal and orbital region was obtained, facilitating the orbital exenteration with en bloc resection of the lateral orbital rim and wall and the anterior portion of the temporal muscle. The epithelialization of the eye socket covered with the galea fascia flap was accelerated, providing faster epithetic reconstruction, without visible scars. CONCLUSIONS: Healing time is accelerated, providing faster epithetic rehabilitation without visible scars, which is important in the postoperative rehabilitation ladder after eye exenteration for both patient and surgeon. Further more ablative surgery within this region gets safer and easier due to the ample exposure of this innovative surgical technique. Further evaluation of the effectiveness and safety of this new approach is advisable.

Clinical experiences with bisphopsphonate induced osteochemonecrosis of the jaws.

QUESTION: Bisphosphonates are frequently used drugs in the adjuvant therapy of bone metastases and tumour-induced hypercalcaemia, but also for osteoporosis or Pagets disease. Several publications within the last three years considered osteonecrosis of the jaws to be connected with bisphosphonate therapy. Until today possible treatment strategies contain antibiotics, hyperbaric therapy and operative treatment. The tendency of healing however seems to be extremely poor. All clinicians should be aware of this new kind of side effect of bisphosphonate therapy. METHODS: 14 patients with this new kind of osteonecrosis were admitted to the department of Cranio-Maxillofacial Surgery of the University Hospital of Zurich. 8 men and 6 women all received bisphosphonates for cancer therapy. A complete analysis of patients' data was performed. RESULTS: Of 14 patients in 7 the underlying disease disease was multiple myeloma. In one patient it was prostate cancer and in all female patients it was breast cancer. All of them had prior dental treatment and showed inflammatory signs and bacterial colonisation with localisation in the upper or lower jaw or in both. CONCLUSION: The infectious part of the bisphosphonate-induced osteonecrosis (ONJ) is considered to be more important than thought before. We presume that antimicrobial treatment is of utmost importance in the treatment of this kind of osteonecrosis. Patients with current or previous bisphosphonate therapy should be treated multidisciplinary to assure ideal prevention and treatment.

Oral lichen planus (OLP), oral lichenoid lesions (OLL), oral dysplasia, and oral cancer: retrospective analysis of clinicopathological data from 2002-2011.

INTRODUCTION: This 10-year retrospective study analyzed the incidence of malignant transformation of oral lichen planus (OLP). The study also included dysplasia and oral lichenoid lesion (OLL) in the initial biopsy as a potential differential diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 692 scalpel biopsies were taken from 542 patients (207 [38.2%] men and 335 [61.8%] women). Clinical and histopathological parameters were analyzed. RESULTS: The parameters gender (p = 0.022) and smoking behavior (p < 0.001) were significantly associated with the severity of diagnosis. Mucosal lesions with an ulcerative appearance (p = 0.006) and those located on the floor of the mouth (p < 0.001) showed significantly higher degrees of dysplasia or were diagnosed as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Smoking and joint disease appeared to be significant risk factors. Treatment with tretinoin in different concentrations (0.005-0.02%) significantly improved diagnosis. Twelve patients (8 female, 4 male) showed malignant transformation to OSCC within an average period of 1.58 years. The malignant transformation rate (MTR) was higher for OLL (4.4%) than OLP (1.2%). If the first biopsy showed intraepithelial neoplasia, the risk of developing OSCC increased (by 3.5% for squamous intraepithelial neoplasia (SIN) II and by 6.7% for SIN III). CONCLUSION: Although we cannot rule out that OLP is a premalignant oral condition, we can confirm that OLP had the lowest MTR of all diagnoses.

Radionecrosis of the mandibula: a retrospective analysis of the incidence and risk factors.

We analysed the incidence of a mandibular osteonecrosis (ON) in 189 patients irradiated for a cancer of the oral cavity, or of the oropharynx or epipharynx, with a total target dose of at least 60 Gy between 1980 and January 1994. Target doses per fraction were between 2.0 and 1.2 Gy, number of sessions per week was between 5 and 10, and total target doses were between 60 and 78.2 Gy. No instance of ON has been observed after target doses between 60 and 65 Gy. Cumulative incidence of an ON needing a mandibular resection was: 24.8% in patients treated with a mandibular dose per fraction between 2.00 and 2.22 Gy and a total mandibular dose between 66.00 and 79.70 Gy; 19.6% in patients treated with a mandibular dose per fraction between 1.80 and 1.90 Gy and a total mandibular dose between 69.00 and 75.60 Gy, 2.2% in patients treated with two fractions of 1.20 Gy per day for 5 days in the week with or without simultaneous application of cis-platinum and a total mandibular dose between 75.20 and 82.00 Gy. Dose per fraction, association of the tumour with bone, and the volume of the horizontal ramus of the mandibula irradiated with a high dose were observed to be significant risk factors.

Impact of whole body positron emission tomography on initial staging and therapy in patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the additional clinical information provided by whole body positron emission tomography (PET) with fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) for initial staging of patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity. PET scans from the head to the pelvic floor of 34 consecutive patients (22 male, 12 female; mean age 71 years) with histologically confirmed SCC of the oral cavity were retrospectively evaluated. Clinical information including CT of the head and neck and chest X-Ray or chest CT was compared with information on nodal involvement and distant metastases or secondary tumours obtained with PET. The primary tumour was identified with PET in 33 of 34 patients (97%). In 27 Patients (81%) the clinical N-stage was confirmed with PET. In two Patients (6%) additional pathologic loco-regional lymph nodes were found. In five patients more lymph nodes were identified with CT. Distant lesions were seen with PET imaging in bone, lung, mediastinum, liver and colon. In three patients (6%) distant metastases were correctly identified. In another four patients (12%) a secondary cancer was detected. One false positive finding was described with PET. In five of 34 patients (15%) the additional findings as revealed with PET lead to a change of treatment. Whole body PET provides relevant additional information to a standard clinical staging procedure in patients with oral cavity SCC. The detection of distant metastases and secondary primary tumours can have a great impact on patient management.

Histologic evidence of osseointegration in the irradiated and reconstructed mandible: a case report.

Osseointegrated implants are widely used in dental rehabilitation. They are particularly valuable if the structures supporting a denture had to be removed because of oral cancer. Additionally, many of these patients undergo radiotherapy, but cancer and radiotherapy are seen as relative contraindications for implant therapy. In the literature, there are few clinical studies documenting successful oral rehabilitation using implants in such patients. The authors report a clinical case in which histologic evidence of osseointegration can be demonstrated in an irradiated and reconstructed mandible. This observation should encourage the extended application of implants in rehabilitation following oral cancer surgery.

Frontal sinus fractures: principles of treatment and long-term results after sinus obliteration with the use of lyophilized cartilage.

The most commonly used techniques for frontal sinus obliteration involve the implantation of an autogenous tissue graft: either fat, muscle or bone. Lyophilized allogenic cartilage due to its unique properties, such as the tendency to ossification and resistance to volume reduction, can be used as the material of choice for sinus obliteration. A clinical and radiological study of 66 patients operated on for frontal sinus fractures, between January 1 1988 through December 31 1995 was undertaken. Variables recorded included the aetiological factors, the clinical and radiological fracture features with the corresponding treatment modality, the association of frontal sinus fractures with intracranial involvement, the early and late postsurgical complications and the correlation between pre- and postoperative radiological findings. Obliteration of the frontal sinus with lyophilized cartilage chips was performed in 51 (77.3%) patients. The postsurgical evaluation showed no major complications. Revision of the frontal sinus was only required in one patient. The radiological findings verified the progressive calcification of the obliterated sinus. Allogenic lyophilized cartilage implantation offers distinct advantages in cases of severe frontal sinus trauma: 1. There is nearly unlimited availability of the material. 2. There is no need for a second operation field with the associated potential donor site morbidity. 3. The operation time is reduced due to the avoidance of a second operation on the donor site.

The Le Fort I osteotomy as a surgical approach for removal of tumours of the midface.

Tumours of the midface and maxillary sinuses have been removed via multiple approaches. The most common approaches are those using incisions in the facial skin, especially in the case of malignant tumours. The Le Fort I procedure via an intraoral incision as described by Sailer in 1986 is a versatile alternative. Combined with a coronal approach and various osteotomies of the upper face it also allows removal of tumours extending into the orbits, the nasoethmoidal complex and the skull base. The versatility of the Le Fort I osteotomy as a surgical approach was analysed in 17 cases. This method is reliable and gives excellent access. Further advantages are the wide surgical exposure and the clear visibility of the resection margins, the absence of visible scars, the feasibility of combining this approach with reconstruction using the buccal fat pad and the possibility of simultaneous placement of bone grafts, insertion of endosseous implants or other preprosthetic procedures via the same incision.

Frontal sinus fractures: computed tomography evaluation of sinus obliteration with lyophilized cartilage.

Allogenic lyophilized cartilage has been proven clinically to be a reliable material for obliteration of the frontal sinus without the limitations of donor site morbidity and the prolongation of the operation time produced by autogenic grafting. The long-term behaviour of the implanted material is of paramount importance for the success of the obliterative technique. This survey included 51 trauma patients on whom obliteration of the frontal sinus with lyophilized cartilage was performed. The fate of the lyophilized cartilage graft was evaluated from computed tomography imaging of the obliterated frontal sinus. No radiological sign of mucocele formation or inflammatory disease was noted. Bone density measurement of the obliterated sinus and the adjacent trabecular bone was calculated. The patient population was distributed into four groups (0-2, 2-4, 4-6, > 6 years) according the postobliterative time. The bone density of the implanted lyophilized cartilage was accentuated from group 1 to group 4 when compared with the bone density of the trabecular bone. This shows the long-term tendency of lyophilized cartilage graft to osseous substitution.

Development of the frontal sinus following bilateral fronto-orbital osteotomies.

The presence of frontal sinuses following bilateral fronto-orbital advancement is discussed controversially in the literature. In a retrospective study, 33 patients (18 male and 15 female) were operated on between 1982 and 1993, with at least one year postoperative follow-up and with a minimum age of 6 years at the end of the follow-up period following bilateral fronto-orbital remodelling, were included. The average age at which the procedure was performed was 29 months with a minimum of 3 months and a maximum of 7.8 years. The study presented shows a pneumatization of the frontal sinus in 72.7% of 33 patients following bilateral fronto-orbital advancement. The first radiographic signs of sinus development were detected between the ages of 4 and 11, average 8.3 years. There were no statistically proven correlations between frontal sinus pneumatization and age at operation or the amount of advancement or sex of the patients. Surgical enlargement of the cranium by frontal advancement with adequate stabilization results in an enlargement of the neurocranium, thereby decreasing pressure on the inner frontal cortex and allowing frontal sinus pneumatization to proceed normally. Hence, the development of a frontal sinus may be a reflection of the effectiveness of the surgical therapy.

Malignant melanotic schwannoma of the oral cavity.

Intraoral malignant melanotic schwannoma is an extremely rare tumor. Two cases are presented, one occurring in the mandible of a 62-year-old man, the other in the maxilla of a 79-year-old man. The clinical presentation, light microscopic findings and immunohistopathological features are described. The difficulty of diagnosing this special tumor at initial presentation correctly, is discussed.

Traumatic carotid cavernous sinus fistula due to a gun shot injury.

A case of a traumatic carotid cavernous sinus fistula is presented, the result of a bullet passing through both condylar regions of the mandible. The fistula was occluded by a detachable balloon brought in place using endovascular techniques.

Should titanium miniplates be removed after bone healing is complete?

A prospective study of 32 patients was performed to analyze black pigmentation in the soft tissue covering titanium miniplates. This soft tissue was compared with the soft tissue covering Champy stainless steel plates. All plates were removed 8 months after application. Macroscopically visible pigmentation was found in 25.6% of the soft tissue covering titanium miniplates and in none of the soft tissue covering Champy stainless steel plates. Microscopically visible pigmentation was found in 71.8% of the soft tissue covering titanium miniplates and in 65.3% of the soft tissue covering Champy stainless steel plates. Energy-dispersive x-ray analysis of the soft tissue covering titanium miniplates revealed only the presence of titanium dioxide. In the soft tissue near Champy stainless steel plates, chromium, nickel, iron, and molybdenum were found. Electron microscopy showed titanium dioxide to be mainly deposited between the collagen fibers, whereas stainless steel particles were mainly found in giant cells.

The bilobed myocutaneous pectoralis major flap in closure of combined intra- and extraoral defects.

Oral carcinomas may eventually invade the perioral soft tissues. In such cases, tumor resection creates through and through defects. Similar defects are seen in patients with gunshot wounds. The versatility of the bilobed myocutaneous pectoralis major flap in closure of these defects is emphasized. The results in nine patients treated by this method are discussed.

The unilateral hockey-stick incision for neck dissection in oral carcinoma. Technical note.

In 42 patients, a hockey-stick incision was used as standard approach in unilateral neck dissection. This approach permits a good overview of all structures in the neck and allows en bloc resection with intraoral tumor removal. The incision does not interfere with simultaneous reconstruction by pedicled or free flaps, and results in a scar which is barely visible and easily covered.

Correlation of imaging and clinical features in the assessment of mandibular invasion of oral carcinomas.

The detection in the mandible of early local spreading of adjacent primary malignancies poses a difficult problem. A survey of 60 patients suspected of carcinomatous mandibular infiltration was undertaken, and the most important clinical and imaging data were studied. Tumor localization and bone scintigraphy proved to offer the most important predictive power. A decision tree and a logistic regression model which determines a score function combining these characteristics were designed. This decision tree improves the sensitivity and specificity of the preoperative assessment and provides the surgeon with an algorithm for the accurate estimation of early mandibular invasion.

Slow and continuous application of human recombinant bone morphogenetic protein via biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) foamspheres.

Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are multifunctional cytokines that were originally identified as molecules that induce bone and cartilage formation in vivo. In order to increase the efficacy of this potent protein for application in medicine, a carrier system is needed to retain the BMP at the preferred site. Here we present and characterize a slow-release carrier system for pure human recombinant (rh)BMP. The large porous microspheres, called 'foamspheres', are biodegradable, because they consist of poly(lactide-co-glycolide) acids and release loaded rhBMP slowly and continuously. In vivo studies in rodents revealed that rhBMP-loaded foamspheres increased the thickness of the calvarial bone of rats by 222%. When the same amount of rhBMP was applied via a gelatine-based hydrogel, the increase in bone height was only 66%. Thus, the carrier system for rhBMP is an important factor for the efficacy of BMPs.