STUDY OF THE ADHESION OF PATIENTS WITH HEAD AND NECK CANCER TO LASER PHOTOBIOMODULATION IN A PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE

Abstract

Objective: In the therapeutic approach of head and neck cancer, radio/chemotherapy, and/or conventional surgery are commonly used. Radio/chemotherapy may determine the development of oral mucositis. This condition can be treated with low level laser, and a strict control of oral hygiene is also important. This study aimed to evaluate the adhesion of patients with head and neck cancer submitted to radio/chemotherapy to the protocol of preventive laser photobiomodulation in a public health service. Study Design: Thirty patients with head and neck cancer under antineoplastic treatment were examined and interviewed regarding the development of oral mucositis and adherence to the laser therapy protocol. The collected data was submitted to statistical analysis. Results: It was observed that 63.3% of the patients developed oral mucositis. There was a predominance of grades I and II, with percentages of 36.8% and 31.6%, respectively. Fifty percent of patients missed 1 or more laser therapy sessions. Conclusions: Positive association was found between adhesion to laser photobiomodulation and the degree of oral mucositis (P < .05). The authors hope that the results of this research may stimulate the oncologic patients to adhere to the proposed treatment for oral mucositis control. Objective: In the therapeutic approach of head and neck cancer, radio/chemotherapy, and/or conventional surgery are commonly used. Radio/chemotherapy may determine the development of oral mucositis. This condition can be treated with low level laser, and a strict control of oral hygiene is also important. This study aimed to evaluate the adhesion of patients with head and neck cancer submitted to radio/chemotherapy to the protocol of preventive laser photobiomodulation in a public health service. Study Design: Thirty patients with head and neck cancer under antineoplastic treatment were examined and interviewed regarding the development of oral mucositis and adherence to the laser therapy protocol. The collected data was submitted to statistical analysis. Results: It was observed that 63.3% of the patients developed oral mucositis. There was a predominance of grades I and II, with percentages of 36.8% and 31.6%, respectively. Fifty percent of patients missed 1 or more laser therapy sessions. Conclusions: Positive association was found between adhesion to laser photobiomodulation and the degree of oral mucositis (P < .05). The authors hope that the results of this research may stimulate the oncologic patients to adhere to the proposed treatment for oral mucositis control.