Occurrence of Fatigue and Pain in Oncology Patients: Serie of Case Reports / Ocorrência de Fadiga e Dor em Pacientes Oncológicos: Série de Casos Clínicos

Fatigue is a reversible change in biological, physical and psychic functions, resulting from the imbalance of the organism. In patients with head and neck cancer (HNC), fatigue has been cited as one of the most frequent symptoms, especially in individuals with metastasis. It can significantly limit daily activities in order to be considered as a chronic condition, in particular, when associated with painful symptoms. The objective of this studt was to report the occurrence of fatigue and pain in patients with HNC. This was a series of prospective clinical cases describing the clinical history of four patients with HNC submitted to radio chemotherapeutic treatment, users of a public oncology service. To assess the degree of fatigue, the Brief Fatigue Inventory questionnaire was applied at five different moments during the antineoplastic treatment and pain analysis, an analog pain scale was used. The analysis of the questionnaires showed that fatigue was a frequent complaint and intensified with the advance of antineoplastic therapy. Its occurrence was also related to the difficulty performing daily activities. Painful symptomatology has been reported by patients to varying degrees. The occurrence of fatigue and pain in patients with HNC presents variability due to the individual's own experience, reflected by their socioeconomic and cultural context and their personal perception of the illness process.(AU)

A fadiga é uma alteração reversível das funções biológicas, físicas e psíquicas, proveniente do desequilíbrio do organismo. Em pacientes com câncer de cabeça e pescoço (CCP), a fadiga tem sido citada como um dos sintomas mais frequentes, principalmente em indivíduos com metástase. Pode limitar de forma significativa as atividades diárias, de modo a ser considerada uma condição crônica, em especial, quando associada à sintomatologia dolorosa. Este trabalho objetiva relatar a ocorrência de fadiga e dor em pacientes com CCP. Tratou-se de uma série de casos clínicos, de caráter prospectivo, que descreve a história clínica de quatro pacientes com CCP submetidos ao tratamento radioquimioterápico, usuários de um serviço de oncologia público. Para avaliação do grau de fadiga, foi aplicado o questionário Brief Fatigue Inventory em cinco momentos distintos, durante o tratamento antineoplásico e para a análise da dor, foi utilizada uma escala analógica de dor. A análise dos questionários demonstrou que a fadiga foi uma queixa frequente e se intensificou com o avanço da terapia antineoplásica. Sua ocorrência também esteve relacionada à dificuldade de execução de atividades cotidianas. A sintomatologia dolorosa foi relatada pelos pacientes em diferentes graus. A ocorrência de fadiga e dor em pacientes com CCP apresenta variabilidade em razão da experiência vivida pelo próprio indivíduo refletida pelo seu contexto socioeconômico e cultural e a sua percepção pessoal acerca do processo de adoecimento.(AU)

Evaluation of Salivary Flow Rate in Patients undergoing Chemotherapy for Solid Tumors / Avaliação de Fluxo Salivar em Pacientes Submetidos à Quimioterapia para Tumores Sólidos

Chemotherapy for cancer treatment offers the possibility of eradicating neoplastic cells, however, its use can result in systemic and oral adverse effects, with emphasis on the qualitative-quantitative modification of saliva. To evaluate the stimulated salivary flow rate (SFR) in patients undergoing chemotherapy for treatment of solid malignancies. This was a cross-sectional study with twenty patients diagnosed with solid tumors undergoing chemotherapy with cytotoxic drugs. Subjects were submitted to stimulated sialometry in the 1st cycle of chemotherapy (baseline, 7th day and 14th day). Additionally, sociodemographic data regarding these patients were collected in a standardized questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistical analysis were performed, with a significance level of p<0.05. There was a predominance of women (75%) aged over 40 years old (90%). The most prevalent tumor location was breast (55%), followed by ovaries (15%), and the most used drug was cyclophosphamide (50%). In the sample, no statistically significant result was observed with regard to SFR (p>0.05) in the studied periods. The data suggest that the 1st cycle of chemotherapy was not able to induce significant changes in the SFR. New studies need to be performed for the prospective identification of potential changes in salivary parameters.(AU)

A quimioterapia para tratamento do câncer oferece possibilidade de erradicação das células neoplásicas, todavia, seu emprego pode resultar em efeitos adversos sistêmicos e em cavidade oral, com destaque para modificação quali-quantitativa da saliva. Avaliar a velocidade de fluxo salivar (VFS) estimulado em pacientes sob quimioterapia para tratamento de neoplasias malignas sólidas. Tratou-se de um estudo transversal, no qual vinte pacientes com tumores sólidos sob regime quimioterápico com drogas sabidamente citotóxicas, foram submetidos à sialometria estimulada no 1º ciclo de quimioterapia (baseline, 7º dia e 14º dia). Adicionalmente, foram coletados dados referentes às características sociodemográficas desses pacientes. Foi realizada análise estatística descritiva e inferencial, com nível de significância p<0,05. Observou-se predominância de mulheres (75%) em idade acima dos 40 anos (90%). A localização do tumor mais prevalente foi a mama (55%), seguida de ovários (15%) e a droga mais utilizada foi a ciclofosfamida (50%). Na amostra não foi observado resultado estatisticamente significativo no que diz respeito à variável VFS (p>0,05) nos períodos estudados. Os dados sugerem que o 1° ciclo de quimioterapia não foi capaz de induzir alterações significativas na VFS. Novos estudos precisam ser realizados para a identificação prospectiva de potenciais alterações nos parâmetros salivares.(AU)

Oral hyperpigmentation as an initial clinical aspect of hand foot syndrome.

Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) is a common adverse effect of anticancer therapy. It is known to cause dermatological symptoms including acral erythema and dysesthesia of the palms and soles of the feet, swelling, pain, itching, and scaling. Some drugs, like capecitabine, are known to trigger this condition. However, pigmentation of the oral mucosa is a rare adverse effect. This study aims to report a case of oral mucosa hyperpigmentation caused by capecitabine therapy before the clinical diagnosis of HFS. A 58-year-old female, diagnosed with invasive breast duct carcinoma, had the central nervous system, liver, skin, and lung metastasis, using capecitabine every day for 14 cycles. Oral examination revealed multifocal black macules on the hard palate, bilateral buccal mucosa, gingival mucosa, and dorsum of the tongue. The clinical hypothesis was oral mucosa hyperpigmentation by capecitabine use and only periodic follow-up was necessary. Hyperpigmentation of oral mucosa by capecitabine is a rare consequence of neoplastic therapy and your association with HFS is unclear, and poorly reported. The report of these events is important to alert oncology health teams about the individual tolerance to capecitabine therapy.

Oral hyperpigmentation as an initial clinical aspect of hand foot syndrome

Abstract Hand-foot syndrome (HFS) is a common adverse effect of anticancer therapy. It is known to cause dermatological symptoms including acral erythema and dysesthesia of the palms and soles of the feet, swelling, pain, itching, and scaling. Some drugs, like capecitabine, are known to trigger this condition. However, pigmentation of the oral mucosa is a rare adverse effect. This study aims to report a case of oral mucosa hyperpigmentation caused by capecitabine therapy before the clinical diagnosis of HFS. A 58-year-old female, diagnosed with invasive breast duct carcinoma, had the central nervous system, liver, skin, and lung metastasis, using capecitabine every day for 14 cycles. Oral examination revealed multifocal black macules on the hard palate, bilateral buccal mucosa, gingival mucosa, and dorsum of the tongue. The clinical hypothesis was oral mucosa hyperpigmentation by capecitabine use and only periodic follow-up was necessary. Hyperpigmentation of oral mucosa by capecitabine is a rare consequence of neoplastic therapy and your association with HFS is unclear, and poorly reported. The report of these events is important to alert oncology health teams about the individual tolerance to capecitabine therapy.

Resumo A síndrome mão-pé (SMP) é um efeito adverso comum da terapia anticâncer. Sabe-se que causa sintomas dermatológicos, incluindo eritema acral e disestesia das palmas das mãos e solas dos pés, inchaço, dor, coceira e descamação. Alguns medicamentos como a capecitabina são conhecidos por desencadear essa condição. No entanto, a pigmentação da mucosa oral é um efeito adverso raro. Este trabalho tem como objetivo relatar um caso de hiperpigmentação da mucosa oral causada pela terapia com capecitabina antes do diagnóstico clínico de SMP. Mulher de 58 anos, com diagnóstico de carcinoma invasivo de ducto mamário, apresentou metástase no sistema nervoso central, fígado, pele e pulmão, em uso de capecitabina todos os dias por 14 ciclos. O exame oral revelou máculas negras multifocais no palato duro, mucosa bucal bilateral, mucosa gengival e dorso de língua. A hipótese clínica foi de hiperpigmentação da mucosa oral pelo uso de capecitabina e apenas o acompanhamento periódico foi necessário. A hiperpigmentação da mucosa oral pela capecitabina é uma consequência rara da terapia neoplásica e sua associação com SMP não é clara e pouco relatada. O relato desses eventos é importante para alertar as equipes de saúde oncológica sobre a tolerância individual à terapia com capecitabina.

Impact of photobiomodulation for oral mucositis on body weight and BMI of patients with head and neck cancer.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of photobiomodulation for oral mucositis on body weight and body mass index (BMI) in head and neck cancer patients. METHODS: Patients were separated into two groups: photobiomodulation (PBM) (n = 17) and SHAM (n = 19). Participants assigned to the PBM group received the photobiomodulation therapy on alternate days at 33 different sites of the oral mucosa (1 J for 10 s per application point) using a low-power aluminum gallium arsenide (AsGaAl) laser device with a maximum output power of 86.7 mW and a wavelength of 660 nm (red). The same protocol was performed in patients allocated in the SHAM group but with the device turned off. At the first and twenty-fourth radiotherapy sessions, participants from both groups underwent an intraoral examination to assess the presence or absence of mucositis using the WHO scale, and measurements of weight and height for BMI calculation were undertaken. RESULTS: All patients had significant differences in weight and BMI throughout the study period. Patients in the PBM group lost less weight (p < 0.01) and had a reduced BMI loss (p < 0.01) in comparison to patients in the SHAM group. Although PBM did not prevent oral mucositis, it decreased its severity (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Photobiomodulation for oral mucositis reduced weight loss and prevented a reduction in BMI in patients who underwent chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Retrospectively registered at https://data.mendeley.com//datasets/4kd7s49wk4/1 .

Impact of Antiresorptive Agents on Maxillary Bones: a Narrative Literature Review / Impacto dos Agentes Antirreabsortivos nos Ossos Maxilares: uma Revisão de Literatura narrativa

Abstract Antiresorptive drugs operate in the bone metabolism modulation and are widely used in the treatment of bone metastases and bone losses related to hormonal deficiency. Although this therapy shows satisfactory results, there are adverse effects associated with its use, such as osteonecrosis of the jaws. Medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws (MRONJ) is, therefore, a serious and challenging condition with important implications in dentistry. The aim was to conduct a narrative literature review on anti-resorptive drugs and their latest repercussions on the maxillary bones. The review was carried out through a bibliographic search using Decs/Mesh descriptors of interest, in Portuguese and English, in the PubMed, Virtual Health Library (VHL) and Scielo databases. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, a total of 33 studies were selected for analysis. It can be noticed that therapy with anti-resorptive agents is complex, especially in dental practice, since MRONJ is a complication that is difficult to manage. Regarding the therapeutic options, these are divided into conservative, surgical or adjuvant therapy, however, there are no protocols in the literature, and there is no consistency regarding the indication of the suspension of the drug administration - "Drug Holiday". Thus, it is important that the multidisciplinary team seeks strategies that minimize complications and promote control over the use of these drugs. In addition, there is a need for investigations that contribute with guidelines for the management and control of adverse effects resulting from therapy with antiresorptive drugs. (AU)

Resumo As drogas antirreabsortivas atuam na modulação do metabolismo ósseo e são indicadas para o tratamento de metástases ósseas e perdas ósseas relacionadas à deficiência hormonal. Ainda que esta terapia apresente resultados satisfatórios, observam-se efeitos adversos associados ao seu uso, como a osteonecrose dos maxilares. A osteonecrose dos maxilares associada ao uso de medicamentos (OMAM) é, portanto, uma condição séria e desafiadora com implicações importantes na Odontologia. O objetivo foi realizar uma revisão narrativa de literatura sobre as drogas antirreabsortivas e suas respectivas repercussões nos ossos maxilares. A revisão foi realizada através de busca bibliográfica utilizando descritores Decs/Mesh de interesse, em português e inglês, nas bases de dados PubMed, Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde (BVS) e Scielo. Após aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão, um total de 33 trabalhos foram selecionados para análise. Pode-se constatar que a terapia com agentes antirreabsortivos é complexa, sobretudo na prática odontológica, visto que a OMAM é uma complicação de difícil manejo. Em relação às condutas terapêuticas para esta condição, divide-se em terapia conservadora, cirúrgica ou adjuvante, todavia, não existem protocolos validados na literatura, bem como não há consistência quanto à indicação do intervalo de suspensão da administração da droga - "Drug Holiday". Desse modo, é importante que a equipe multidisciplinar busque estratégias que minimizem as complicações e promovam o controle no uso dessas drogas. Além disso, nota-se a necessidade de realizar investigações que contribuam com diretrizes para o manejo e controle dos efeitos adversos decorrentes da terapia com medicamentos antirreabsortivos. (AU)

Nutritional supplements in the management of oral mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer: Narrative literary review.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Oral mucositis is the most common side effect in response to anticancer therapies in the head and neck region. It has a debilitating potential for the health of affected individuals, negatively interfering with nutritional status and quality of life. Due to the great complexity of its pathogenicity, different forms of interventions for prevention and treatment are being studied, including nutritional supplements with vitamin E, zinc and glutamine. This study aimed to review the literature on the influence of nutrients, in supplement form, for prevention and/or treatment of mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer. METHODS: A survey of studies related to the definition, treatment and prevention of mucositis with nutrients was carried out between January 2018 and July 2019, using the Pubmed, Cochrane Library and Scielo databases. In the end, 61 relevant scientific publications were selected between the years 2004 and 2019. RESULTS: Nutrients such as vitamin E, glutamine and zinc are forms of supplementation that have positive effects on the manifestation and severity of oral mucositis due to their antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. However, some studies reveal that antioxidant properties may reduce the effectiveness of antineoplastic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests the effectiveness of vitamin E, zinc and glutamine in preventing and treating oral mucositis. However, the importance of new clinical researches to clarify possible doubts is highlighted, as well as the creation of a protocol that includes the dose, route and time of administration, for greater safety in use.

Adherence of head and neck cancer patients to laser photobiomodulation in a public health service: Pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the adherence of patients with head and neck cancer who underwent radiotherapy or radio-chemotherapy combined to the preventive laser photobiomodulation protocol in a public health service. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study, whose population sample included patients with malignant head and neck neoplasms. Thirty head and neck cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment, were examined and interviewed through a record of signs and symptoms of oral mucositis (OM) and adherence to the preventive laser photobiomodulation protocol, that began in the first session of radiotherapy, and included the laser application three times a week during the 3-week period. The collected data were documented, and the descriptive and inferential statistics were performed with a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS: It was observed that 66.6% of patients developed OM. There was a predominance of degrees I and II, with 36.8% and 31.6%, respectively. A total of fifteen patients (50%) missed one or more laser photobiomodulation sessions. A positive association was found between patients who missed at least two laser photobiomodulation sessions with the development of OM degrees III (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There was moderate adherence of patients with head and neck cancer to the laser photobiomodulation protocol and the development of more severe degrees of OM was related to individuals that didn't attend scheduled sessions.

Evaluation of preventive laser photobiomodulation in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiochemotherapy: Laser in patients with head and neck cancer.

AIMS: This study aimed to evaluate the effect of laser photobiomodulation in the prevention of oral mucositis (OM), salivary hypofunction and referred pain in patients with head and neck cancer. METHODS AND RESULTS: This randomized clinical study divided patients into two groups: the laser group (LG, n = 30) and the control group (CG, n = 24). The LG (InGaAlP, 660 nm, 86.7 mW, 2 J/cm2 ) participated in the preventive protocol, while the CG underwent a simulated procedure without light emission. The degree of OM, salivary flow, and referred pain were evaluated at five different periods of radiotherapy. Both groups showed a significant increase in the degree of OM (P < .01). Regarding OM, salivary flow, and oral pain, there were no significant differences between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The laser photobiomodulation protocol used in this study was not effective in preventing radiochemotherapy-induced OM, salivary hypofunction, and referred pain in patients with head and neck cancer. Notably, although the development of OM did not differ significantly according to the use of laser therapy, the severity of oral mucositis was reduced in patients who underwent laser therapy compared to that in patients who did not.

Evaluation of the Impact of Oral Hygiene and Chamomile Tea in the Development of Oral Mucositis: Pilot Study / Avaliação do Impacto da Higiene Oral Associada ao Uso do Chá de Camomila no Desenvolvimento de Mucosite Oral: Estudo-Piloto / Evaluación del Impacto de la Higiene Oral y el Té de Manzanilla en el Desarrollo de la Mucositis Oral: Estudio Piloto

Introduction: The oral mucositis (OM) represents a frequent inflammatory condition in cancer patients, and poor oral hygiene has been related as a predisposing factor for its onset. Chamomile tea has been studied as an adjunctive therapy in the management of OM due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of chamomile tea associated with a rigorous oral hygiene in the OM prevention. Method: Randomized pilot clinical study, with 35 patients assigned to two groups. The case-group underwent oral hygiene control associated with the use of chamomile tea before starting the first cycle of chemotherapy, while the control group, there were no previous guidelines and prescriptions. Data about sociodemographic characteristics, the type of neoplasm and the chemotherapy scheme proposed were collected. The variables OM, salivary flow and pain associated to the oral cavity were evaluated, and statistical analysis was performed with significance level p <0.05. Results: It was observed that the majority of the patients had a mean age of 50 years, breast (57%) was the most prevalent tumor site and cyclophosphamide (52%), the most frequently used drug In this sample, no statistically significant result was observed in the two groups for OM, salivary flow and pain variables (p> 0.05). Conclusion: These data suggest that the use of chamomile tea and the accuracy of oral hygiene were not sufficient to prevent OM.

Introdução: A mucosite oral (MO) representa uma condição inflamatória frequente em pacientes oncológicos e uma higiene oral insatisfatória tem sido relacionada como fator predisponente para o seu surgimento. O chá de camomila vem sendo estudado como terapia adjuvante no manejo da MO em razão das suas propriedades analgésicas e anti-inflamatórias. Objetivo: Avaliar a influência do chá de camomila associada a uma rigorosa higiene oral na prevenção de MO. Método: Trata-se de um estudo-piloto clínico randomizado, no qual 35 pacientes foram alocados em dois grupos. O grupo-caso foi submetido ao controle de higiene oral associado ao uso do chá de camomila antes de iniciar o primeiro ciclo de quimioterapia; no grupo-controle, não houve orientações e prescrições prévias. Foram coletados dados referentes às características sociodemográficas, à neoplasia em questão e ao tipo de tratamento quimioterápico proposto. Foram avaliadas as variáveis MO, fluxo salivar e dor associada à cavidade oral, e realizada análise estatística com nível de significância p<0,05. Resultados: Observou-se que a maioria dos pacientes apresentava-se na quinta década de vida, a localização do tumor mais prevalente foi a mama (57%) e a droga mais utilizada por esses pacientes foi a ciclosfamida (52%). Nesta amostra, não foi observado resultado estatisticamente significativo entre os grupos, no que diz respeito às variáveis MO, fluxo salivar e dor (p>0,05). Conclusão: Os dados sugerem que o uso do chá de camomila e o rigor na higiene oral não foram suficientes para a prevenção da MO.

Introducción: La mucositis oral (MO) representa una afección inflamatoria frecuente en pacientes con cáncer, y la mala higiene bucal se ha relacionado como un factor predisponente para su aparición. El té de manzanilla se ha estudiado como una terapia adyuvante en el tratamiento de la OM debido a sus propiedades analgésicas y antiinflamatorias. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar la influencia del té de manzannilla asociado con una hygiene oral rigurosa en la prevención de la MO. Método: Fue un estudio clínico piloto aleatorizado, en el que treinta y cinco pacientes fueron asignados en dos grupos. El grupo de casos se sometió a un control de higiene oral asociado con el uso de té de manzanilla antes de comenzar el primer ciclo de quimioterapia, mientras que en el grupo de control, no había pautas ni recetas previas. Se recopilaron datos sobre las características sociodemográficas, el tipo de neoplasia y el esquema de quimioterapia propuesto. Se evaluaron las variables MO, flujo salival y dolor asociado a la cavidad oral, y se realizó un análisis estadístico con nivel de significancia p<0,05. Resultados: Se observó que la mayoría de los pacientes tenían una edad media de 50 años, el sitio del tumor más prevalente era la mama (57%) y el fármaco utilizado con mayor frecuencia era la ciclofamida (52%). En esta muestra, no se observaron resultados estadísticamente significativos entre los grupos con respecto a las variables MO, flujo salival y dolor (p>0,05). Conclusión: Estos datos sugieren que el uso de té de manzanilla y la precisión de la higiene oral no fueron suficientes para prevenir la MO.

Frequência de comorbidades associadas ao tratamento radioterápico de cabeça e pescoço / Frequency of comorbities associated with radiotherapic head and neck treatment

Introdução: a radioterapia é uma das principais modalidades de tratamento das neoplasias malignas de cabeça e pescoço. Entretanto sua ação não se restringe às células cancerígenas, produzindo efeitos colaterais comumente reportadas pelos pacientes. Objetivo: avaliar a ocorrência de comorbidades de interesse para o Cirurgião-dentista, relacionadas ao tratamento oncológico em pacientes submetidos a radioterapia de cabeça e pescoço (RCP) associada ou não a quimioterapia em um serviço de referência do Sistema Único de Saúde na cidade de Salvador-BA. Metodologia: foram incluídos 35 indivíduos submetidos a RCP associado ou não a quimioterapia. Foi realizada consulta odontológica a cada 48 horas, a fim de identificar queixas de disgeusia, disfagia e xerostomia e a instalação de lesões orais, como candidíase e mucosite oral. Resultados: 82,9% da amostra foi composta de indivíduos do gênero masculino e 17,1% do feminino, com idade média de 58,2 anos. Com relação às comorbidades relativas ao tratamento radioterápico em região de cabeça e pescoço, pode-se observar alta prevalência de mucosite oral (74,28%), disfagia (60%), candidíase (40%) e, em menor número, disgeusia (22,85%) e xerostomia (14,28%). Conclusão: a RCP, embora se apresente como uma eficiente modalidade terapêutica para neoplasias malignas, usualmente se associa a uma série de complicações na região irradiada. Na amostra estudada, a mucosite oral foi a comorbidade mais frequente, seguida de disfagia e candidíase.

Introduction: radiation therapy is one of the main treatment modalities for malignant head and neck neoplasms. However its action is not restricted to cancer cells, producing side effects commonly reported by these patients. Objective: evaluating the occurrence of comorbidities of interest to the dentist related to cancer treatment in patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy (CPR) associated or not with chemotherapy in a reference service of the Unified Health System in Salvador-BA. Metodology: 35 individuals submitted CPR with or without chemotherapy were included. Dental appointments were performed every 48 hours to identify complaints of dysgeusia, dysphagia and xerostomia and oral lesions development such as candidiasis and oral mucositis. Results: 82.9% of the sample was composed of males and 17.1% females, mean age 58.2 years. It is possible to observe an occurrence of oral mucositis (74.28%), dysphagia (60%), candidiasis (40%) and, in a smaller number, dysgeusia (22.85%) and xerostomia (14.28%) the occurrence of oral mucositis in the head and neck region may be observed. Conclusion: head and neck radiotherapy, although presenting as an efficient therapeutic modality for malignant neoplasms, is usually associated with a series of complications in the irradiated region. In the studied sample, oral mucositis was the most prevalent comorbidity, followed by dysphagia and candidiasis.

Ocorrência de candidíase oral em pacientes portadores de câncer de cabeça e pescoço submetidos aos tratamentos antineoplásicos / Occurrence of Oral Candidiasis in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer submitted to antineoplastic treatments

Objetivo: avaliar a frequência de candidíase oral em pacientes portadores de câncer de cabeça e pescoço submetidos à radio e (ou) quimioterapia em um serviço de referência vinculado ao Sistema Único de Saúde do município de Salvador (BA). Metodologia: trata-se de um estudo seccional, realizado em uma amostra de conveniência e não probabilística de pacientes portadores de câncer de cabeça e pescoço submetidos à radio e (ou) quimioterapia. Foram coletados dados relativos às pessoas com candidíase oral, tais como sexo, idade e o tipo de tratamento a que foram submetidas (quimioterapia, radioterapia ou ambos), bem como a localização e o diagnóstico clínico do tipo de candidíase. Resultados: do total de 36 pacientes que se enquadraram nos critérios de inclusão, 16 apresentaram candidíase (44,4%). Onze indivíduos (68,75%) eram do sexo masculino e 07 (43,75%) possuíam faixa etária situada entre a quinta e a sexta décadas de vida. O tipo de candidíase prevalente foi a pseudomembranosa (87,5%), e o local mais acometido foi o palato duro (50%). Dos 16 pacientes com candidíase oral, 14 (87,5%) realizaram a radioterapia associada à quimioterapia, enquanto que 02 (12,5%) realizaram apenas a radioterapia. Conclusão: a candidíase oral é uma condição clínica muito comum nos pacientes portadores de neoplasias submetidos aos tratamentos antineoplásicos. A presença do cirurgião-dentista na equipe multidisciplinar que acompanha os pacientes oncológicos é relevante, pois poderá auxiliar na prevenção e no tratamento da candidíase e de outras condições clínicas.

Objective: to assess the frequency of candidiasis in patients with head and neck cancer submitted to radio and (or) chemotherapy in a referral service linked to the Unified Health System of the city of Salvador, Bahia. Methodology: this is a cross-sectional study consisting of a non-probabilistic sample of patients with oral candidiasis diagnosed in a convenience group. Data were collected on people with oral candidiasis, such as gender, age and type of treatment (chemotherapy, radiotherapy or both), as well as the location and clinical diagnosis of the type of candidiasis. Results: Oo the total of 36 patients that met the inclusion criteria, 16 presented candidiasis (44.4%). Eleven individuals (68.75%) were males and 07 (43.75%) had an age group between the fifth and sixth decades of life. The most prevalent type of candidiasis was pseudomembranous (87.5%) and the most affected site was the hard palate (50%). Of the 16 patients with oral candidiasis, 14 (87.5%) underwent radiotherapy associated with chemotherapy, while 02 (12.5%) only underwent radiotherapy. Conclusion: oral candidiasis is a very common clinical condition in patients with neoplasia submitted to antineoplastic treatments. The presence of the dental surgeon in the multidisciplinary team that follows up oncological patients is relevant, as it may help in the prevention and treatment of candidiasis and other clinical conditions

HOXA10 controls proliferation, migration and invasion in oral squamous cell carcinoma.

Although HOX genes are best known for acting in the regulation of important events during embryogenesis, including proliferation, differentiation and migration, alterations in their expression patterns have been frequently described in cancers. In previous studies we analyzed the expression profile of the members of the HOX family of homeobox genes in oral samples of normal mucosa and squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and identified differently expressed genes such as HOXA10. The present study aimed to validate the increased expression of HOXA10 in OSCCs, and to investigate the effects arising from its knockdown in OSCC cells. The levels of HOXA10 mRNA were determined in human OSCC samples and cell lines by quantitative PCR, and HOXA10-mediated effects on proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration and invasion were studied in HSC-3 tongue carcinoma cells by using retrovirus-mediated RNA interference. Higher expression of HOXA10 mRNA was observed in OSCC cell lines and in tumor tissues compared to normal controls. HOXA10 knockdown significantly reduced the proliferation of the tumor cells which was accompanied by increased levels of p21. HOXA10 silencing also significantly induced the expression of EMT markers and enhanced the adhesion, migration and invasion of HSC-3 cells. No effects on cell death were observed after HOXA10 knockdown. The results of the current study confirm the overexpression of HOXA10 in OSCCs, and further demonstrate that its expression is functionally associated with several important biological processes related to oral tumorigenesis, such as proliferation, migration and invasion.

Conservative treatment of the dentigerous cyst: report of two cases

The purpose of this paper is to present two cases of dentigerous cyst associated to permanent teeth in children treated by conservative techniques. Dentigerous cyst is the most common developmental cysts of the jaws. Conservative treatment is very effective to this entity and aims at eliminating the cystic tissue and preserving the permanent tooth involved in the pathology. Two techniques are described as conservative treatment for these cysts, marsupialization and the decompression. Two children presented with dentigerous cysts. A female child was affected by a large lesion at the right side of the mandible associated to tooth 45. The other lesion arose at the left maxilla associated to tooth 21 of a male child. Each dentigerous cyst promoted severe tooth displacement. The first patient was treated with decompression and the second with marsupialization.

Measurements of the mandibular canal by multidetector computed tomography

Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the measurements of the mandibular canal in differentpatterns of reabsorbed alveolar ridges, using multidetector computed tomography in order toevaluate the relationship of the mandibular canal with the cortex of the mandible remains. Methods:Central cross-sectional slice of 30 edentulous alveolar ridges in the mandibular first molar regionof otherwise healthy patients using multidetector computed tomography were analyzed. Horizontaland vertical lines were performed tangent to the corticals of the mandible and mandibular canal.Fisher’s exact test, Spearman test and linear regression were used for statistical analysis.Significance level for all statistical tests was 95%. Results: The height of the mandible and thedistance of mandibular canal to superior cortical in males were significantly higher when comparedwith females (p<0.05). When the height of the mandibular bone was correlated to the classificationof edentulous jaws, significant differences were observed when comparing the three types (III, IVand V) as well as between III and IV type. Conclusions: The results of the present study showthat the measurements for dental implant placement in the posterior region of the mandible areaffected by the different patterns of bone resorptions. It was also demonstrated the importance ofthe computed tomography in the process of planning dental implant placements.

HOXA1 is overexpressed in oral squamous cell carcinomas and its expression is correlated with poor prognosis.

BACKGROUND: HOX genes encode homeodomain-containing transcription factors involved in the regulation of cellular proliferation and differentiation during embryogenesis. However, members of this family demonstrated oncogenic properties in some malignancies. The present study investigated whether genes of the HOXA cluster play a role in oral cancer. METHODS: In order to identify differentially expressed HOXA genes, duplex RT-PCR in oral samples from healthy mucosa and squamous cell carcinoma was used. The effects of HOXA1 on proliferation, apoptosis, adhesion, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and anchorage-independent growth were assessed in cells with up- and down-regulation of HOXA1. Immunohistochemical analysis using a tissue microarray (TMA) containing 127 oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) was performed to determine the prognostic role of HOXA1 expression. RESULTS: We showed that transcripts of HOXA genes are more abundant in OSCC than in healthy oral mucosa. In particular, HOXA1, which has been described as one of the HOX members that plays an important role in tumorigenesis, was significantly more expressed in OSCCs compared to healthy oral mucosas. Further analysis demonstrated that overexpression of HOXA1 in HaCAT human epithelial cells promotes proliferation, whereas downregulation of HOXA1 in human OSCC cells (SCC9 cells) decreases it. Enforced HOXA1 expression in HaCAT cells was not capable of modulating other events related to tumorigenesis, including apoptosis, adhesion, invasion, EMT and anchorage-independent growth. A high number of HOXA1-positive cells was significantly associated with T stage, N stage, tumor differentiation and proliferative potential of the tumors, and was predictive of poor survival. In multivariate analysis, HOXA1 was an independent prognostic factor for OSCC patients (HR: 2.68; 95% CI: 1.59-2.97; p = 0.026). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that HOXA1 may contribute to oral carcinogenesis by increasing tumor cell proliferation, and suggest that HOXA1 expression might be helpful as a prognostic marker for patients with OSCC.

Giant cell lesions in noonan syndrome: case report and review of the literature.

Noonan-like/multiple giant cell lesion syndrome (NS/MGCLS) is a rare condition with phenotypic overlap with Noonan syndrome (NS). Once thought to be a specific and separate entity, it is now suggested to be a variant of the NS spectrum. We report a patient with classical cardinal features of NS, including short stature, mild ptosis, hypertelorism, down-slating palpebral fissures, low-set and posteriorly angulated ears, short neck, pectus excavatum, widely spaced nipples and cryptochidism, which were associated with bilateral central giant cell lesions in the mandible and germ-line mutation (C218T, Thr73Ile) in the exon 3 of the PTPN11 gene. The similar clinical and genetic aspects support the observation that NS/MGCLS is a variant of NS and giant cell lesions are an integrant part of this disorder.