IMPACT OF AGE ON ORAL TOXICITIES INDUCED BY RADIOTHERAPY IN YOUNG PATIENTS WITH HEAD AND NECK CANCER

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate treatment-related toxicities in young head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Study Design: This was a retrospective observational study designed to access oral toxicities of cancer treatment in young ( 58 years of age, group II) HNC patients with similar tumor stage and treatment protocols. Oral mucositis (OM), xerostomia, dysphagia, dysgeusia, trismus, and radiodermatitis were assessed during days 7, 21, and 35 of head and neck radiotherapy (RT). Results: Patients from both groups showed high incidence and severity of oral toxicities by the end of the RT with OM (81.9% and 63.6%, respectively) and xerostomia (72.6% and 77.2%, respectively) as the most prevalent toxicities for this period of assessment. No differences regarding xerostomia, dysphagia, dysgeusia, and radiodermatitis incidence or severity could be observed between groups. However, higher incidences and severity of OM and trismus were observed throughout the treatment in young patients compared with older patients (P