Work

A review of interaction of radiotherapy and implants in head and neck cancer — implications and strategies to improve outcomes

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Oral rehabilitation after the curative treatment of oral cancer is challenging. Improvement of functional and cosmetic rehabilitation following surgery and radiotherapy for head and neck cancers has been continuously attempted. Advances in dental and prosthetic implants have significantly improved quality of life. To achieve the best oncological, functional, and aesthetic outcomes, a multidisciplinary approach should be used to treat patients with oral cancer. Oral surgeons, reconstructive surgeons, implantologists, and radiation oncologists should have a good understanding of each other's specialties. Radiation can interact with metallic implants and potentially increase the dose to tissues close to the implant, leading to undesirable complications, such as osteoradionecrosis. Radiation decreases implant survival by affecting osseointegration. Implant survival depends on the location and timing of the implant placement and the radiation dose received. Outcomes can be improved using adjunct hyperbaric oxygen, robust dental care before and during radiation, and modern radiotherapy techniques such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy.

Source: Reports of Practical Oncology & Radiotherapy

DOI: 10.5603/rpor.108005

Authors: Karthik S Rishi, Narayana Subramaniam, Sreeram M P, Teertha Shetty, Radhika Kaphatia

Institutions: Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Center, Sparsh Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Oral health in cancer treatment

Subfield: Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,713