Abstract
Purpose One of the major complications of radiation therapy in the head and neck area is osteoradionecrosis of the jaw. In an overview the changes in the treatment strategies of head and neck oncology patients and its influence on the prevalence and presentation of osteoradionecrosis is presented. Material and Methods A literature search was performed using MeSH terms [osteoradionecrosis], [mandible], [radiation oncology], [chemotherapy], [prevention]. From these searches articles were selected with emphasis on changes in the way radiation and other therapy was applied in head and neck cancer and its influence on the prevalence and presentation of osteoradionecrosis of the mandible. Articles about preventive measures to lower the risk to develop osteoradionecrosis were also included. Articles in other than the English language and articles in which osteoradionecrosis was not located in the mandible were excluded. Included were eligible articles written in the period 1980–2010. Results After selection 23 eligible articles were found. In the last decades the treatment of head and neck oncology has shown several developments. These inventions were seen in the application of radiotherapy and administration of chemotherapy and other agents. Preventive measures have also shown a decrease in the prevalence of osteoradionecrosis of the mandible. Conclusions Patients will benefit from preventive measures taken before the start of a radiation therapy treatment in the head and neck area. Radiation oncology has developed in a way with more emphasis in sparing the tissues surrounding the tumor. Hyperfractionation and IMRT have shown beneficial effects. The influence of the administration of other agents like chemotherapy on the development of osteoradionecrosis of the mandible is not clear.
Published Version
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