Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer: oral complications and treatment / 中华放射医学与防护杂志

ABSTRACT

Radiotherapy, as a common modality for the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC), frequently induces oral and maxillofacial complications. However, the complex tissues and diverse pathogeneses of these regions lead to limited treatment protocols and research progress currently. This paper systematically summarizes radiation-induced oral mucositis, salivary gland injury, and dental caries in radiotherapy for HNC and reviews existing pathogenetic hypotheses, treatment, and research progress. The purpose is to provide some reference for further research on relevant pathological mechanisms and the development of new preventive and treatment methods.