SEM and bond strength evaluation of adaptation between liners-composites

Abstract

Purpose: This study was conducted to determine whether oral care and low-intensity laser therapy (LILT) can reduce the rates of discontinuation of anticancer treatment. Approximately 870,000 new cases of malignant airway and digestive tract tumors are diagnosed annually worldwide. Patients undergoing radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancers develop oral mucositis (OM) and other complications as side effects that can lead to discontinuation of anticancer treatment. Methods and materials: We selected patients with carcinoma of the head and neck who underwent radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy (CT) in the Sao Vicente de Paulo Hospital, Passo Fundo, Brazil. A total of 187 patients were evaluated and divided into two groups: Group I (patients receiving oral care) and Group II (patients not receiving oral care). The patients in Group I were subjected to daily assessments, received guidance, and followed a protocol for dental treatment and adjuvant application of LILT throughout the period they performed RT. The patients in Group II were evaluated and followed but did not receive the proposed treatment. Results: A total of 187 patients were included in this study: 144 males (77%) and 43 females (23%). The mean age was 59.9± 12.9 (13–95 years). One-hundred-and-twentyfive patients were included in Group I, and 62 patients were included in Group II. High scores for pain and OM were observed in the patients belonging to group II. Three (2.4%) of the patients in Group I (125 patients) presented an interruption in RT, whereas 20 (34.6%) of the patients in Group II (62 patients) presented an interruption in RT induced by intercurrences, such as pain, dehydration, severe OM, immunity and death (p<0.001). The group that received LILT (Group I) presented a lower rate of antineoplastic treatment interruption compared with Group II (p<0.001). Conclusion: The prevention and early treatment of complications related to RT, such as oral mucositis, can decrease the likelihood that the patient will abandon radiotherapy and consequently contributes to improved prognosis for healing and patient survival.