The association between referral by specialists in oral diagnosis on survival rates of patients with oral cancer: A retrospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: To assess the influence of diagnosis and referral provided by specialists in oral diagnosis on disease-free survival and overall survival of patients with oral cancer. METHODS: A cohort of 282 patients with oral cancer treated at a regional cancer hospital from 1998 to 2016 was analyzed retrospectively. The referral register of the patients was analyzed and assigned to two groups: (1) those referred by oral diagnosis specialists (n = 129), or (2) those referred by nonspecialized professionals (n = 153). The cancer treatment evolution was assessed from the patients' records, and the outcome was registered concerning cancer recurrence and death. Sociodemographic and clinicopathological variables were explored as predictors of disease-free survival and overall survival. RESULTS: Group 1 exhibited lower T stages and a reduced incidence of regional and distant metastases. Surgery was performed in 75.2% of cases in Group 1, while in Group 2, the rate was 60.8%. Advanced T stages and regional metastases reduced the feasibility of surgery. Higher TNM stages and tumor recurrence were associated with decreased disease-free survival, while surgical intervention was a protective factor. Higher TNM stage had a negative impact on the overall survival. CONCLUSION: Specialized oral diagnosis did not directly impact disease-free survival and overall survival and did not influence the indication of surgery in oral cancer; however, it was associated with the diagnosis of early tumors and better prognosis.

Oral lesions of systemic lupus erythematosus: A collaborative Latin American study.

BACKGROUND: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multifactorial autoimmune disease that may affect the oral mucosa. The variable spectrum of oral lesions observed in SLE can pose challenges in diagnosis, particularly when the lesions occur in isolation. The aim of this study was to describe the oral lesions occurring in patients with SLE from Latin America. METHODS: This collaborative record-based study involving 11 oral and maxillofacial pathology and medicine services across Venezuela, Argentina, Chile, Brazil, and Mexico describes the clinicopathological profile of SLE-related oral lesions. RESULTS: Seventy patients with SLE and oral lesions were included in the study. The majority were females (75.7%; female/male ratio: 3.1:1) and white (62.1%), with a mean age of 38.4 years (range: 11-77 years). The most common site of oral lesions was the hard/soft palate (32.0%). Clinically, oral lesions predominantly presented as ulcers (26.6%), erosions (26.6%), and white lesions (23.4%). Isolated oral lesions occurred in 65.2% of individuals, while cutaneous manifestations occurred in 80.3%. The main clinical diagnostic hypothesis in 71.4% of cases was an immune-mediated disease. Oral biopsies followed by histopathological analysis were performed in 50 cases. CONCLUSION: Oral lesions of SLE exhibit a variety of clinical and histopathological features. A key point in diagnosis is that unusual oral changes without an obvious local cause may indicate a possible systemic condition presenting with oral lesions. A multidisciplinary approach, which includes regular oral examination, is warranted to identify oral lesions and provide treatment.

Clinicopathologic analysis of oral dermoid and epidermoid cysts: a Brazilian multicenter study.

Dermoid cysts (DCs) and epidermoid cysts (ECs) are uncommon developmental cysts affecting the oral cavity. This study aims to evaluate patients with oral DCs and ECs and their demographic and clinicopathologic features. A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. A total of 105,077 biopsy records of oral and maxillofacial lesions from seven Brazilian oral pathology centers were analyzed. All cases diagnosed as oral DCs and ECs were reviewed, and clinical, demographic, and histopathological data were collected. The series comprised 32 DCs (31.4%) and 70 ECs (68.6%). Most of the DCs occurred on the floor of the mouth (n = 14; 45.2%) of women (n = 17; 53.1%) with a mean age of 34.6 ± 21.6 years. All DCs were lined partially or entirely by stratified squamous epithelium (100%). Chronic inflammatory cells, melanin pigmentation, multinucleated giant cell reaction, and cholesterol clefts were observed in the fibrous capsule . Most of the ECs affected the labial mucosa (n = 20; 31.7%) of men (n = 39; 56.5%) with a mean age of 48.0±19.8 years. Microscopically, most ECs (n = 68; 97.1%) were lined entirely by stratified squamous epithelium. Two cysts (2.9%) showed areas of respiratory metaplasia. Chronic inflammatory cells, melanin pigmentation, multinucleated giant cell reaction, and cholesterol clefts were also observed in the fibrous capsule. Conservative surgical excision was the treatment of choice in all cases. Oral DCs and ECs are uncommon and often clinically misdiagnosed lesions. Clinicians should consider DCs and ECs in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue lesions in the oral cavity, mainly located on the floor of the mouth and labial mucosa.

Contribution of public oral pathology services to the diagnosis of oral and oropharyngeal cancer in Brazil.

This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of oral and maxillofacial pathology laboratories (OMPLs) in Brazilian public universities to the diagnosis of lip, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A cross-sectional study was performed using biopsy records from a consortium of sixteen public OMPLs from all regions of Brazil (North, Northeast, Central-West, Southeast, and South). Clinical and demographic data of patients diagnosed with lip, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal SCC between 2010 and 2019 were collected from the patients' histopathological records. Of the 120,010 oral and maxillofacial biopsies (2010-2019), 6.9% (8,321 cases) were diagnosed as lip (0.8%, 951 cases), oral cavity (4.9%, 5,971 cases), and oropharyngeal (1.2%, 1,399 cases) SCCs. Most cases were from Brazil's Southeast (64.5%), where six of the OMPLs analyzed are located. The predominant profile of patients with lip and oral cavity SCC was Caucasian men, with a mean age over 60 years, low schooling level, and a previous history of heavy tobacco consumption. In the oropharyngeal group, the majority were non-Caucasian men, with a mean age under 60 years, had a low education level, and were former/current tobacco and alcohol users. According to data from the Brazilian National Cancer Institute, approximately 9.9% of the total lip, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal SCCs reported over the last decade in Brazil may have been diagnosed at the OMPLs included in the current study. Therefore, this data confirms the contribution of public OMPLs with respect to the important diagnostic support they provide to the oral healthcare services extended by the Brazilian Public Health System.

Oral melanoacanthoma: Clinicopathological and immunohistochemical features of a case series and a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: This study presents a case series and scoping review of oral melanoacanthoma to examine its clinical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical characteristics. METHODS: Nine cases of oral melanoacanthoma were included in the case series. Clinical data were collected from biopsy charts. Hematoxylin-eosin and immunohistochemistry for TRP2, CD3, and CD20 were done. For the scoping review, MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, and Scopus were searched. RESULTS: Case series: The mean age was 46.8 years (female-to-male ratio 2:1). Lesion's mean size was 11.0 mm (±9.3). Lesions were mainly macular (77.8%) with brown or black coloration (88.9%) and often affected multiple sites (44.4%). The evolution time ranged from 15 days to 96 months. Lesions commonly showed epithelial acanthosis (66.7%), spongiosis (55.6%), exocytosis (77.8%), melanin incontinence (88.9%), and inflammatory infiltrate in the lamina propria (77.8%), from which all showed lymphocytes. TRP2-positive melanocytes were identified in the basal and spinous layer of all cases, and in the superficial layer of three cases. CD3-positive cells predominate over the CD20-positive. Scoping review: 85 cases of oral melanoacanthoma were retrieved from 55 studies. Patients were primarily female (female-to-male ratio 2.2:1), black-skinned (64.1%), with a mean age of 36.13 (± 17.24). Lesions were flat (81.9%), often brown (62.4%). Buccal mucosa was the preferred site (32.9%), followed by multiple sites (28.2%). CONCLUSION: Oral melanoacanthoma mainly affects women across a wide age range, with lesions commonly appearing as brown/black macules, particularly on the buccal mucosa. TRP2-positive melanocytes and T-lymphocytes were consistently found and could participate in oral melanoacanthoma pathogenesis.

Oral solitary fibrous tumors: A collaborative clinicopathologic study of 19 cases.

OBJECTIVE: To report the clinicopathologic features of 19 oral solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs). METHODS: Clinical data were collected from the records of seven pathology services. All cases were re-evaluated by HE staining and confirmed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The series comprised 11 females (57.9%) and 8 males (42.1%), with a mean age of 47.3 ± 14.7 years (range: 22-71 years) and a 1.3:1 female-to-male ratio. Most tumors affected the buccal mucosa (n = 7; 36.8%) and presented clinically as an asymptomatic solitary submucosal well-circumscribed nodule with coloration similar to the oral mucosa. Morphologically, most SFTs (n = 10; 52.6%) exhibited a classic hybrid pattern characterized by a well-circumscribed proliferation of densely cellular areas alternating with hypocellular areas in a variably collagenous vascular stroma. Remnants of accessory salivary glands were observed in two cases (n = 2; 10.5%). All tumors were positive for STAT6 and CD34 (n = 19; 100%). Outcome information was available from 6 patients (31.6%), with clinical follow-up ranging from 6 to 24 months (mean ± SD, 9.5 ± 6.8 months), and none developed local recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Oral SFTs are rare and often clinically misdiagnosed. Pathologists should consider SFT in the differential diagnosis of oral spindle cell tumors. Accurate diagnosis requires careful morphological evaluation supported by immunohistochemical analysis.

Effects of a mucoadhesive phytomedicine (Curcuma longa L. and Bidens pilosa L.) on radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis and quality of life of patients undergoing head and neck cancer treatment: randomized clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To assess the effect of a mucoadhesive herbal medicine containing curcuminoids and a glycerinated extract of Bidens pilosa L. (FITOPROT) in association with photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy and a Preventive Oral Care Program (POCP) compared to PBM and POCP in the treatment of radiotherapy (RT)-induced oral mucositis (ROM) and in the quality of life of these patients. METHODS: A double-blind clinical trial was performed with head and neck cancer patients undergoing RT or chemoradiotherapy. Participants were randomized into two groups: Group 1 (n=27): PBM and POCP; and Group 2 (n=25): PBM, POCP and FITOPROT. The PBM protocol was daily irradiation, 660 nm, 25mW, 0.25 J/point from the first until the last day of RT. The FITOPROT was used as mouthwash twice a day. ROM was evaluated based on the scales of the World Health Organization and National Cancer Institute. The quality of life was evaluated using the University of Washington Questionnaire, OHIP-14 and Patient-Reported Oral Mucositis Symptom Scale. The MMAS-8 questionnaire was used to evaluated the adherence to POCP and FITOPROT. Data were collected at baseline, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 30th RT sessions. RESULTS: No statistical differences were found between the groups for the ROM evaluation. Both groups experienced worsening of the quality of life during the RT. No statistically significant differences between groups were observed for any of the instruments evaluated. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that PBM associated with FITOPROT and POCP control the severity of ROM and stabilize the QoL of patients with head and neck cancer. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Registry of Clinical Trials (ReBEC-RBR-9vddmr; UTN code: U1111-1193-2066), registered in August 8th, 2017.

Acinic cell carcinoma of the oral and maxillofacial region: an international multicenter study.

The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence, clinicopathological, and prognostic features of acinic cell carcinoma (AciCC) of the oral and maxillofacial region. AciCC cases were retrospectively retrieved from 11 pathology centers of three different countries. Medical records were examined to extract demographic, clinical, pathologic, and follow-up information. A total of 75 cases were included. Females (65.33%) with a mean age of 45.51 years were mostly affected. The lesions usually presented as an asymptomatic (64.28%) nodule (95.66%) in the parotid gland (70.68%). The association of two histopathological patterns was the most common finding (48.93%) and the tumors presented mainly conventional histopathological grades (86.11%). Surgical treatment was performed in the majority of the cases (59.19%). Local recurrence was observed in 20% of the informed cases, regional metastasis in 30.43%, and distant metastasis in 12.50%. The statistical analysis showed that the cases with a solid histopathological pattern (p=0.01), high-grade transformation (p=0.008), recurrence (p=0.007), and regional metastasis (p=0.03) were associated with poor survival. In conclusion, high histopathological transformation, presence of nodal metastasis, and recurrence were prognostic factors for AciCC of the oral and maxillofacial region.

The participation of tumor residing pericytes in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Pericytes are perivascular cells related to vessel structure and angiogenesis that can interact with neoplastic cells, interfering with cancer progression and outcomes. This study focused on the characterization of pericytes in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) using clinical samples and a transgenic mouse model of oral carcinogenesis. Nestin-/NG2+ (type-1) and nestin+/NG2+ (type-2) pericytes were analyzed by direct fluorescence after induction of oral carcinogenesis (4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide). Gene expression of neuron glial antigen-2 (NG2), platelet-derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFR-ß), and cluster of differentiation 31 (CD31) was examined in human OSCC tissues. The protein expression of von Willebrand factor and NG2 was assessed in oral leukoplakia (i.e., oral potentially malignant disorders) and OSCC samples. Additionally, clinicopathological aspects and survival data were correlated and validated by bioinformatics using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Induction of carcinogenesis in mice produced an increase in both NG2+ pericyte subsets. In human OSCC, advanced-stage tumors showed a significant reduction in CD31 mRNA and von Willebrand factor-positive vessels. Low PDGFR-ß expression was related to a shorter disease-free survival time, while NG2 mRNA overexpression was associated with a reduction in overall survival, consistent with the TCGA data. Herein, oral carcinogenesis resulted in an increase in NG2+ pericytes, which negatively affected survival outcomes.

Epithelial salivary gland tumors in pediatric patients: An international collaborative study.

OBJECTIVE: Salivary gland tumors (SGT) are a diverse group of uncommon neoplasms that are rare in pediatric patients. This study aimed to characterize the clinicopathological profile of pediatric patients affected by SGT from a large case series derived from an international group of academic centers. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective analysis of pediatric patients with SGT (0-19 years old) diagnosed between 2000 and 2021 from Brazil, South Africa, and the United Kingdom was performed. SPSS Statistics for Windows was used for a quantitative analysis of the data, with a descriptive analysis of the clinicopathological characteristics and the association between clinical variables and diagnoses. RESULTS: A total of 203 cases of epithelial SGT were included. Females were slightly more commonly (56.5%), with a mean age of 14.1 years. The palate was the most common site (43.5%), followed by the parotid gland (29%), lip (10%), and submandibular gland (7.5%). The predominant clinical presentation was a flesh-colored, smooth, and painless nodule. Pleomorphic adenoma (PA) was the most frequently diagnosed SGT (58.6%), followed by mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) (26.6%). Surgery (90.8%) was the favored treatment option. CONCLUSIONS: Benign SGT in pediatric patients are more commonly benign than malignant tumors. Clinicians should keep PA and MEC in mind when assessing nodular lesions of possible salivary gland origin in pediatric patients.

Oral manifestations of Chediak-Higashi syndrome: A systematic review.

Chediak-Higashi syndrome (CHS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by leukocytes with giant secretory granules and a myriad of clinical features. However, it is unknown whether oral lesions are part of the syndrome or are refractory to systemic treatment. Herein, we integrated the available data published in the literature on the oral manifestations of individuals with CHS. Searches on PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and LILACS were conducted to identify studies published up to March/2022. The Joanna Briggs Institute tool was used for the critical appraisal of studies. Fourteen articles (21 cases) were detected. The mean age of individuals was 15.9±8.8 years. There was a slight predominance of males (52.4%). The major manifestation was periodontal disease (81%), although ulceration of the oral mucosa (14.3%), gingival/labial abscess (4.8%), and periodontal abscess (4.8%) were also reported. Oral rehabilitation including dental implants (9.5%) was performed after tooth losses due to the poor prognosis of periodontal therapy. CHS is usually diagnosed in an early stage due to its systemic manifestations such as classic oculocutaneous albinism, recurrent infections, and a propensity for bleeding. Oral health providers should be aware of the manifestations of individuals with CHS. Special care, including oral prophylaxis, is indispensable.

Acinic cell carcinoma of the oral and maxillofacial region: an international multicenter study

Abstract The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence, clinicopathological, and prognostic features of acinic cell carcinoma (AciCC) of the oral and maxillofacial region. AciCC cases were retrospectively retrieved from 11 pathology centers of three different countries. Medical records were examined to extract demographic, clinical, pathologic, and follow-up information. A total of 75 cases were included. Females (65.33%) with a mean age of 45.51 years were mostly affected. The lesions usually presented as an asymptomatic (64.28%) nodule (95.66%) in the parotid gland (70.68%). The association of two histopathological patterns was the most common finding (48.93%) and the tumors presented mainly conventional histopathological grades (86.11%). Surgical treatment was performed in the majority of the cases (59.19%). Local recurrence was observed in 20% of the informed cases, regional metastasis in 30.43%, and distant metastasis in 12.50%. The statistical analysis showed that the cases with a solid histopathological pattern (p=0.01), high-grade transformation (p=0.008), recurrence (p=0.007), and regional metastasis (p=0.03) were associated with poor survival. In conclusion, high histopathological transformation, presence of nodal metastasis, and recurrence were prognostic factors for AciCC of the oral and maxillofacial region.

Clinicopathologic analysis of oral dermoid and epidermoid cysts: a Brazilian multicenter study

Abstract Dermoid cysts (DCs) and epidermoid cysts (ECs) are uncommon developmental cysts affecting the oral cavity. This study aims to evaluate patients with oral DCs and ECs and their demographic and clinicopathologic features. A retrospective descriptive cross-sectional study was performed. A total of 105,077 biopsy records of oral and maxillofacial lesions from seven Brazilian oral pathology centers were analyzed. All cases diagnosed as oral DCs and ECs were reviewed, and clinical, demographic, and histopathological data were collected. The series comprised 32 DCs (31.4%) and 70 ECs (68.6%). Most of the DCs occurred on the floor of the mouth (n = 14; 45.2%) of women (n = 17; 53.1%) with a mean age of 34.6 ± 21.6 years. All DCs were lined partially or entirely by stratified squamous epithelium (100%). Chronic inflammatory cells, melanin pigmentation, multinucleated giant cell reaction, and cholesterol clefts were observed in the fibrous capsule . Most of the ECs affected the labial mucosa (n = 20; 31.7%) of men (n = 39; 56.5%) with a mean age of 48.0±19.8 years. Microscopically, most ECs (n = 68; 97.1%) were lined entirely by stratified squamous epithelium. Two cysts (2.9%) showed areas of respiratory metaplasia. Chronic inflammatory cells, melanin pigmentation, multinucleated giant cell reaction, and cholesterol clefts were also observed in the fibrous capsule. Conservative surgical excision was the treatment of choice in all cases. Oral DCs and ECs are uncommon and often clinically misdiagnosed lesions. Clinicians should consider DCs and ECs in the differential diagnosis of soft tissue lesions in the oral cavity, mainly located on the floor of the mouth and labial mucosa.

Contribution of public oral pathology services to the diagnosis of oral and oropharyngeal cancer in Brazil

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the contribution of oral and maxillofacial pathology laboratories (OMPLs) in Brazilian public universities to the diagnosis of lip, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). A cross-sectional study was performed using biopsy records from a consortium of sixteen public OMPLs from all regions of Brazil (North, Northeast, Central-West, Southeast, and South). Clinical and demographic data of patients diagnosed with lip, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal SCC between 2010 and 2019 were collected from the patients' histopathological records. Of the 120,010 oral and maxillofacial biopsies (2010-2019), 6.9% (8,321 cases) were diagnosed as lip (0.8%, 951 cases), oral cavity (4.9%, 5,971 cases), and oropharyngeal (1.2%, 1,399 cases) SCCs. Most cases were from Brazil's Southeast (64.5%), where six of the OMPLs analyzed are located. The predominant profile of patients with lip and oral cavity SCC was Caucasian men, with a mean age over 60 years, low schooling level, and a previous history of heavy tobacco consumption. In the oropharyngeal group, the majority were non-Caucasian men, with a mean age under 60 years, had a low education level, and were former/current tobacco and alcohol users. According to data from the Brazilian National Cancer Institute, approximately 9.9% of the total lip, oral cavity, and oropharyngeal SCCs reported over the last decade in Brazil may have been diagnosed at the OMPLs included in the current study. Therefore, this data confirms the contribution of public OMPLs with respect to the important diagnostic support they provide to the oral healthcare services extended by the Brazilian Public Health System.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on public University laboratories of oral and maxillofacial pathology: A Brazilian multicenter study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the number of diagnoses of oral and maxillofacial lesions in public laboratories after one year of COVID-19 outbreak in Brazil. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study. Biopsies submitted to histopathologic examination from March 2019 to February 2020 (pre-pandemic period) and from April 2020 to March 2021 (pandemic period) in nine Brazilian public oral pathology laboratories were retrieved and the number of diagnoses, types of lesion, and percentage changes during both periods were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 7389 diagnoses in the pre-pandemic period and 2728 in the pandemic era, indicating a reduction of 63.08%. The reduction was 64.23% for benign lesions and 49.48% for malignant lesions, with a 50.64% reduction in squamous cell carcinoma. The largest decreases were observed in April 2020 and January 2021. CONCLUSION: An important reduction in the diagnoses of benign and malignant lesions was noted in the Brazilian public oral pathology laboratories during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Orofacial Manifestations Assisting the Diagnosis of Cowden Syndrome in a Middle-Aged Patient: Case Report and Literature Overview.

Middle-aged and old adults (≥ 50 years) diagnosed with Cowden syndrome (CS) with orofacial manifestations are uncommon. We describe a case of CS in a 53-year-old female showing "narrow bird-like" face, macrocephaly, acral keratoses, oral candidiasis, burning in the mouth, and multiple asymptomatic papillomatous lesions with a cobblestone pattern distributed on the alveolar ridge, tongue, buccal mucosa, and commissure. The histopathological features of lesions of the oral mucosa were those of papillary fibroepithelial hyperplasia. Immunohistochemistry revealed strong positivity for PTEN and p53 in most epithelial cells, while the expression of Bcl-2, S-100, and Ki-67 was weak/negative. According to a review conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scopus for the analysis of reports of CS individuals ≥ 50 years with orofacial manifestations, 56 cases have been described in literature. Predilection for women was observed, with a female:male ratio of 2.3:1. Thirty-five (62.5%) individuals developed some malignant neoplasms. Oral health providers should be aware of the orofacial aspects of CS, including multiple papillomatosis, which can be an important criterion for diagnosis. Since malignancies may occur in older adults with CS, the need for strict surveillance is necessary. The present case has been under follow-up for 7 years without evidence of other manifestations.

Cost-effectiveness randomized clinical trial on the effect of photobiomodulation therapy for prevention of radiotherapy-induced severe oral mucositis in a Brazilian cancer hospital setting.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in association with a Preventive Oral Care Program (POCP) compared with POCP alone in the treatment of radiotherapy (RT)-induced oral mucositis (OM). METHODS: The cost-effectiveness was evaluated from the health provider perspective and conducted alongside a randomized, double-blind clinical trial. Participants were randomly assigned to either PBMT (n = 25) or control (n = 23) group. The PBMT group participants received PBMT associated with POCP. In the control group, patients were submitted to POCP alone. Costs were identified, quantified, and valued through observation and consultation of the hospital's financial sector database and estimated in Brazilian real and converted to international dollars using the purchasing power parity exchange rate. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was estimated by considering the prevention of severe OM, interruption of RT, and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) scores, measured by the OHIP-14 and patient-reported OM symptoms scale (PROMS). RESULTS: The incremental cost of PBMT was $857.35, and the cost per session was $25.69. The ICER was $ 2867.39 to avoid one case of severe OM and $ 2756.75 to prevent one interruption in RT due to OM. ICER to reduce 1 point in OHIP-14 and PROMS scores were $170.79 and $31.75, respectively. CONCLUSION: PBMT is more cost-effective than POCP alone in preventing severe OM, worsening of the OHRQoL, and RT interruptions. PBMT is a promising therapy, especially to avoid interruptions in oncological treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ReBEC-RBR-5h4y4n.

Photobiomodulation reduces the impact of radiotherapy on oral health-related quality of life due to mucositis-related symptoms in head and neck cancer patients.

To assess the effectiveness of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) in the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiotherapy (RT), using the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14) and the Patient-Reported Oral Mucositis (OM) Symptoms Scale (PROMS), and to correlate OM degree with the PROMS and OHIP-14 scores. Forty-eight patients undergoing RT for head and neck cancer were randomly assigned into two groups: PBMT group (n = 25)-daily PBMT associated with a preventive oral care program (POCP); and control group (n = 23)-receiving POCP exclusively. OHRQoL was assessed using the PROMS and OHIP-14 questionnaires. OM degrees were classified according to the World Health Organization and the National Cancer Institute scales. Assessments were performed at the 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 30th RT sessions. PBMT was effective in preventing and treating severe OM. Both groups showed increased OHRQoL impacts throughout the RT sessions; however, higher impacts were observed in the control group, mainly at the final stage of treatment (21st and 30th RT sessions). Significant correlations were found between the severity of OM and PROMS scores in the total sample and the control group at all RT periods. PROMS and OM scores were positive correlated at 14th, 21st, and 30th RT sessions in the control group, suggesting that this instrument is useful in classifying OM. PBMT was effective in treating and preventing severe OM and OM-related symptoms, and with consequent positive impacts in OHRQoL in head and neck patients undergoing RT. The PROMS scale was helpful instrument for assessment of the severity of OM. Brazilian Clinical Trials database (ReBEC - RBR-5h4y4n), registered in Aug, 24th 2017.

A prospective study on oral adverse effects in head and neck cancer patients submitted to a preventive oral care protocol.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the occurrence and severity of oral complications, number of radiotherapy (RT) interruptions and quality of life (QoL) in a population of head and neck cancer patients receiving a preventive oral care program (POCP) and photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT). METHODS: Prospective cohort of 61 head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiochemotherapy were monitored and submitted to a POCP that included oral hygiene and plaque control, removal of infection foci, dental restorations, periodontal therapy, fluorotherapy, oral hydration, and denture removal at night, combined with daily PBMT. Outcomes included occurrence of adverse effects such as severity of oral mucositis (OM) and oral symptoms (pain, solid and fluid dysphagia, odynophagia, dysgeusia), quality of life impacts, and interruptions of radiotherapy (RT) due to symptoms. Disease-free and overall survival rates were evaluated. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement in oral health conditions between initial assessment and the two longitudinal assessments (p < 0.05), which indicates that the POCP was effective for plaque control and reduction of gingival inflammation. All participants were free of OM at the beginning of the RT regimen and only 45.9% after the 7th session, and few patients ranked the highest score of OM. For all symptoms related to OM, there was a progressive increase of severity until the 14th RT session, which remained stable until the completion of the RT regimen. The same effect was observed for the quality of life measures. Discontinued RT due to OM occurred in only three patients (5%), and the maximum duration was 10 days. The overall survival rate was 77% and disease-free survival was 73.8%. Lower survival time was observed for patients with no response to RT (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study suggest a positive effect of an oral preventive care program for head and neck cancer patients submitted to RT. The PBMT associated with a rigorous POCP resulted in satisfactory control of oral adverse effects, reduction of quality of life impacts, and interruption of RT regimen due to severe OM.