Malignant Tumor Of Digestive Tract Research Articles

MicroRNA data reduction of esophageal cancer

Esophageal cancer is one of the most aggressive and lethal type of malignant digestive tract tumor. MicroRNA plays pivotal roles in cell homeostasis. The dysregulation of microRNA can lead to the development of cancer. Because of the large amount of microRNA data for esophageal cancer patients, it is difficult to analyse data. Hence there is a pressing need to reduce data for early diagonsis of esophageal cancer. In this paper, an efficient method is provided to reduce the microRNA data of esophageal cancer patients. Principal component analysis is firstly implemented to reduce the microRNA data dimension. Based on the results of principal component analysis, clustering analysis is used for further data reduction. With this comprehensive method, the 1046 microRNA data of 198 esophageal cancer patients is efficiently reduced to 3 main components and 6 clusters. This method is a potential useful tool for the preoperative diagnosis and prognostic prediction of esophageal cancer.

Progress in the study of the mechanism of drug resistance in gastrointestinal stromal tumors

gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are one of the most common malignant tumors of digestive tract, and are resistant to cytotoxic radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been used as a miracle drug for clinical treatment. However, the drug resistance has limited its clinical application. With the continuous deepening understanding of the relevant mechanisms, novel therapeutic agents are emerging. Therefore, fundamental studies on the pathogenesis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor are essential for the discovery of novel therapeutic approaches. At present, there are at least three models which are widely applied in the basic research of the pathogenesis of tumor, which are the homologous resistant/sensitive cell line model, the tumor transplanted mouse model, and the human tumor specimen. In this paper, we review the literature on the research methods of gastrointestinal stromal tumor resistance mechanism, and summarize the related research methods and the main mechanisms of drug resistance. Key words: Tumor cell line; Gastrointestinal stromal tumors; Drug resistance; Xenograft model; Human tumor specimen

Correlation of IGFBP-6 expression with apoptosis and migration of colorectal carcinoma cells.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in digestive tract. Previous study found close correlation between insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) and occurrence of multiple tumors. This study aims to analyze the effects of IGFBP6 on the apoptosis and migration of tumor cells, and to investigate underlying mechanism. HCT-116 or SW480 cell was cultured with 1.0mg/l, 10mg/l and 100mg/l IGFBP-6. MTT assay was employed to test the proliferation activity of tumor cells after differential treatment. The cell cycle of tumor cells was detected by flow cytometry, while Transwell assay was used to quantify the invasion and migration of tumor cells after IGFBP-6 intervention. In experimental group with IGFPB-6 application, the proliferation rate of HCG-116 or SW480 cells was gradually decreased with higher concentrations of IGFBP-6 (p< 0.05). The ratio of cells at G0/G1 phase was increased while S phase and G2/M phase ratio were all decreased with IGFPB-6. With further elevated concentration of IGFPB-6, there was more potency of higher G0/G1 ratio and lower S phase or G2/M phase (p< 0.05). Both invasion and migration ability of HCT-116 or SW480 cells in experimental group were decreased. With elevated IGFBP-6 concentration, cell invasion and migration were further weakened (p< 0.05).IGFBP-6 could inhibit invasion and migration of colorectal carcinoma cells possibly via inhibiting proliferation activity and arresting cell cycle of HCT-116 or SW480 cells.

The polymorphisms of miRNA-binding site in MLH3 and ERCC1 were linked to the risk of colorectal cancer in a case-control study.

Colorectal cancer (CRC), as a malignant tumor of lower digestive tract, has been found to have an increasing morbidity and mortality in China. It was particularly important to find some earlier biomarkers to predict the risk and prognosis. In this study, several polymorphisms on 3′UTR of three DNA repair genes including MLH3 rs10862, ERCC1 rs3212986, ERCC1 rs735482, ERCC1 rs2336219, and OGG1 rs1052133 were chosen by bioinformatics exploration, and then, a case–control study of 200 CRC cases and controls was performed. Furthermore, a dual‐luciferase assay was also carried out to certify whether the candidate miRNA can regulate its target gene and the selected SNPs have a valid effect on the target miRNA. Finally, both of ERCC1 rs3212986 and MLH3 rs108621 were shown to be associated with the risk of CRC. Comparing with rs3212986 CC genotype, AA was at a higher risk (OR = 3.079, 95% CI: 1.192–7.952). For MLH3 rs108621, comparing with TT genotype, CC and TC were at a higher risk of CRC in male (OR = 5.171, 95% CI: 1.009–26.494; OR = 1.904, 95% CI: 1.049–3.455). Interestingly, an analysis combining both ERCC1 rs3212986 and MLH3 rs108621 also showed an increased risk of CRC. In addition, a dual‐luciferase assay showed that miR‐193a‐3p could regulate MLH3, and the polymorphism rs108621 could alter the miR‐193a‐3p binding to MLH3. Therefore, MLH3 rs108621 may be associated with the risk of CRC due to the effect of miR‐193a‐3p on MLH3, which reminded the possibility as potential susceptibility biomarkers to predict the risk of CRC.

Meta-analysis on the prognosis of preoperative glucose pretreatment in patients with digestive tract malignant tumor

Objective The clinical benefits of carbohydrate intake 2-3 h before surgery in patients with digestive tract malignant tumor without diabetes mellitus have been confirmed by foreign experts, the High level evidence for perioperative nutrition support were also written in Guidelines for perioperative nutritional support in adults . However, there are few hospitals in China that prefer preoperative glucose pretreatment, taking into account the differences between domestic and foreign data.In this paper, the clinical randomly controlled experimental data about the effect of preoperative glucose pretreatment on the prognosis of patients with malignant tumor of digestive tract was analyzed by Meta analysis, in order to evaluate the efficacy and safety of preoperative glucose pretreatment in Chinese patients, and to achieve the clinical significance. Methods Retrieving the database from establishment to March 2017, the related literatures about preoperative glucose pretreatment and prognosis of patients with digestive tract malignant tumor were collected.Revman5.3 software was used to perform Meta analysis of 10 randomized controlled trials (606 patients) who met the inclusion criteria. Results Compared with the traditional fasting and non drinking group, the preoperative subjective discomfort of the preoperative group was significantly reduced (SMD=-1.29, 95%CI=-2.00--0.59, P=0.000 3), postoperative insulin resistance was significantly reduced (SMD=-1.92, 95%CI=-2.68--1.16, P<0.01), postoperative blood glucose concentration, insulin concentration increased, and no vomiting and aspiration occur in any patient as shown by the literature. Conclusion In the patients with malignant tumor of digestive tract, perioperative nutrition support and pretreatment show significant clinical benefits, preoperative subjective comfort improves, the risk of aspiration does not increase significantly, postoperative insulin resistance decreases.It is proved that preoperative carbohydrate pretreatment is effective and safe in the operation of domestic digestive tract cancer. Key words: Malignant tumor of digestive tract; Perioperative period; Glucose pretreatment; Meta analysis; Accelerated rehabilitation surgery

Minimal Residual Disease in Head and Neck Cancer and Esophageal Cancer.

Malignant epithelial tumors of the upper digestive tract are a major cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The most common of these cancers are head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) and esophageal cancers (EC), which are both characterized by early dissemination and poor prognosis. Although patients with early detected cancers can be subjected to multimodal therapies with curative intention, they are endangered by lethal relapses that frequently occur. These relapses originate from minimal residual cancer (MRD) cells that can only be traced by highly sensitive molecular methods as rare disseminated tumor cells (DTC). The aim of this chapter is to comprehensively inform the reader about the detection, the mode of spread, the clinical relevance, and the biology of DTCs in HNSCC and EC. A better understanding of DTCs will be key to suppress progression of the upper digestive tract cancers more effectively.

Progress in studies on early oral feeding in patients after gastrectomy

Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of digestive tract, and surgical excision is the only way to extend the lifetime of patients with gastric cancer. Malnutrition is a common complication after such surgery, which affects patients' rehabilitation greatly. Nutritional support is, therefore, crucial to patients with gastric cancer after surgery. Early oral feeding, as the most preferred way of nutritional support after surgery, can not only improve patients' nutritional state, but also keep intestinal mucosa intact and accelerate the recovery of their gastrointestinal function. Hence, this paper summarizes the characteristics and demands of nutrient metabolism, the time, type and feasibility of early oral feeding, the effect on gastrointestinal function as well as the effect on postoperative complications in patients with gastric cancer after surgical excision. Key words: Review; Gastric neoplasms; Gastrectomy; Early oral feeding

Current status of hereditary gastrointestinal neoplasms

Gastric cancer and colorectal cancer are two common malignant tumors in digestive tract. 1% to 3% of gastric cancer and 5% to 15% of colorectal cancer are definitely hereditary cancer caused by germline gene mutation. Hereditary gastric cancer includes hereditary diffuse gastric cancer(HDGC) and hereditary intestinal gastric cancer (HIGC). CDH1 gene mutation is the main reason to cause HDGC, so the first degree and the second degree family members of HDGC patients are recommended to receive CDH1 mutation detection, endoscopic examination every year and undergo preventive total gastrectomy. Hereditary colorectal cancer includes hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC, or Lynch syndrome) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP). Germline MMR gene mutation detection is the golden standard of the diagnosis of Lynch syndrome. Family members of Lynch syndrome patients are recommended to receive endoscopic examination every year and undergo standard cancer radical operation or total colorectal resection based on individual conditions. FAP is caused by APC gene mutation, so FAP patients are recommended to receive endoscopic examination once or twice every year through their lifetime, while a lot of adenoma occur, resection should be considered. The promotion key of hereditary gastrointestinal neoplasms research is to follow the standard diagnosis and treatment guideline for hereditary gastrointestinal neoplasms and build the clinical and gene information bank of hereditary gastrointestinal neoplasms. The second generation sequencing technique provides favorable research stools in elucidating pathogenesis mechanism of hereditary gastrointestinal neoplasms.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with malignant tumor of digestive system combined with venous thromboembolism

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and prognosis of patients with malignant tumor of digestive system combined with venous thromboembolism(VTE). Methods The clinical data of 77 patients admitted in Beijing Hospital from January 2003 to April 2013 with digestive system malignant tumor complicated with VTE were retrospectively analyzed.The incidence, clinical features and prognosis of the patients with digestive system cancer were analyzed. Results Among 77 patients, 57 cases of male and 20 cases of female were involved, with an average age of(68.7±12.4)years, including 60 cases(77.9%)of adenocarcinoma.The pathological results showed that differentiated tumors accounted for 61.0%(47/77). Among the 77 patients, pulmonary thromboembolism(PTE)accounted for 33.8%(26 cases)and deep vein thrombosis(DVT)in the low extremities accounted for 66.2%(51 cases). Among all the patients, the most common symptoms were dyspnea and swelling or pain in the extremities.The incidence of VTE was 24.7%(19/77), 13.0%(10/77), 19.5%(15/77), 5.2%(4/77), 5.2%(4/77), 32.5%(25/77) at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, >12 months after diagnosis of digestive system malignancies, respectively.By April 2013, the 54.5%(42/77)patients died, among which 73.8%(31/42)died of digestive system malignancies, 11.9%(5/42)died of PTE, 14.3%(6/42)died of other causes.The mortality rates at 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, >12 months after the diagnosis of VTE were 20.8%(16/77), 6.5%(5/77), 13.0%(10/77), 5.2%(4/77), 2.6%(2/77), 6.5%(5/77), respectively.The difference in VTE incidence between the group aged ≥65 years and group aged <65 years at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after the diagnosis of tumors was not statistically significant(P=0.309). The differences in mortality(P=0.357)and in the median survival time(χ2=0.290, P=0.591)between the two groups were not statistically significant at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months after the diagnosis of VTE. Conclusions The risks for VTE are high in patients with digestive tract malignant tumor, advanced malignant tumor, poor histologic grade(poorly or moderately differentiation), and chemotherapy or surgery, which mostly occurs within 3-6 months after diagnosis.Most deaths occur within the 1st year after the diagnosis of VTE. Key words: Neoplasms; Venous thromboembolism; Venous thrombosis

Research progress of tumor markers in pancreatic cancer tissue

Pancreatic cancer is a hidden disease, rapid progress, treatment and poor prognosis of the digestive tract malignant tumor, in recent years, the incidence rate has increased significantly. At present, surgical resection is the only effective way to long－term survival of pancreatic cancer patients, however, once the clinical diagnosis of the disease patients mostly in late or distant metastases occur, often lost the best chance of operation. The development of modern biomedical science and technology provides a new technique for the study of high sensitivity pancreatic cancer markers, which can improve the early diagnosis rate of pancreatic cancer, thus improving the surgical resection rate and improving the prognosis of patients. The study of tumor markers in pancreatic cancer tissues has always been a hot topic in the early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. This paper reviews the progress of pancreatic cancer tumor markers in pancreatic cancer tissues. Key words: Pancreatic neoplasms; Early diagnosis; Neoplasms by histologic type; Tumor markers

FOXF2 promoter methylation is associated with prognosis in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is a commonly malignant tumor of digestive tract with poor prognosis. Previous studies suggested that forkhead box F2 ( FOXF2) could be a candidate gene for assessing and predicting the prognosis of human cancers. However, the relationship between FOXF2 promoter methylation and the prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma remained unclear. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded esophageal squamous cell carcinoma tissues of 135 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients were detected for FOXF2 promoter methylation status by methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction approach. DNA methylation results were evaluated with regard to clinicopathological features and overall survival. Our study confirmed that FOXF2 promoter hypermethylation could independently predict a poorer overall survival of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients ( p = 0.002), which was consistent with the data mining results of the data from 82 esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets ( p = 0.036). In addition, no correlation was found between FOXF2 promoter methylation and other clinic pathological parameters (age, gender, differentiation, lymph node metastasis, stage, cutting edge, vascular invasion, smoking behavior, and drinking history). In conclusion, FOXF2 methylation might be a useful prognostic biomarker for esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients.

The relationship between lysosome-autophagy and the head and neck squamous cancer cell apoptosis

Autophagy can be used as both a protective mechanism of cell survival and a mechanism of cell death.The dual mechanism has been the emphases and difficulties of our research.The latest research shows that autophagy plays an important role in occurrence,development, transfer and treatment of the cancer.Head and neck cancer is usually derived from the upper respiratory tract's. The upper digestive tract's malignant tumor, because of its complex anatomic structure, low 5 years of survival rate, to study the prevention and treatment has the extremely important significance. The purpose of this paper is to clarify the role of lysosome-autophagy,mitochondria-autophagy in the treatment of head and neck cancers and the relationship between autophagy and apoptosis, which will be contribute to the prevention and treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas for us.Autophagy as a cellular lysosomal degradation pathway that can be used as a kind of dynamic monitoring index of the tumor.

Dual time-point 18F-FDG PET/CT to assess response to radiofrequency ablation of lung metastases

AimTo establish the usefulness of dual time-point PET/CT imaging in determining the response to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of solitary lung metastases from gastrointestinal cancer. Materials and methodsThis prospective study included 18 cases (3 female, 15 male, mean age 71±15 yrs) with solitary lung metastases from malignant digestive tract tumors candidates for RFA. PET/CT images 1h after injection of 4.07MBq/kg of 18F-FDG (standard images) were performed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after RFA. PET/CT images 2h after injection centered in the thorax at 1 month after RFA were also performed (delayed images). A retention index (RI) of dual time-point images was calculated as follows: RI=(SUVmax delayed image−SUVmax standard image/SUVmax standard image)*100. Pathological confirmation of residual tumor by histology of the treated lesion was considered as local recurrence. A negative imaging follow-up was considered as complete response. ResultsLocal recurrence was found in 6/18 lesions, and complete response in the remaining 12. The mean percentage change in SUVmax at 1 month and at 3 months showed a sensitivity and specificity for PET/CT of 50% and 33%, and 67% and 92%, respectively. The RI at 1 month after RFA showed a sensitivity and specificity of 83% and 92%, respectively. ConclusionsDual time point PET/CT can predict the outcome at one month after RFA in lung metastases from digestive tract cancers. The RI can be used to indicate the need for further procedures to rule out persistent tumor due to incomplete RFA.

Dual time-point (18)F-FDG PET/CT to assess response to radiofrequency ablation of lung metastases.

To establish the usefulness of dual time-point PET/CT imaging in determining the response to radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of solitary lung metastases from gastrointestinal cancer. This prospective study included 18 cases (3 female, 15 male, mean age 71±15 yrs) with solitary lung metastases from malignant digestive tract tumors candidates for RFA. PET/CT images 1h after injection of 4.07MBq/kg of (18)F-FDG (standard images) were performed at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months after RFA. PET/CT images 2h after injection centered in the thorax at 1 month after RFA were also performed (delayed images). A retention index (RI) of dual time-point images was calculated as follows: RI=(SUVmax delayed image-SUVmax standard image/SUVmax standard image)*100. Pathological confirmation of residual tumor by histology of the treated lesion was considered as local recurrence. A negative imaging follow-up was considered as complete response. Local recurrence was found in 6/18 lesions, and complete response in the remaining 12. The mean percentage change in SUVmax at 1 month and at 3 months showed a sensitivity and specificity for PET/CT of 50% and 33%, and 67% and 92%, respectively. The RI at 1 month after RFA showed a sensitivity and specificity of 83% and 92%, respectively. Dual time point PET/CT can predict the outcome at one month after RFA in lung metastases from digestive tract cancers. The RI can be used to indicate the need for further procedures to rule out persistent tumor due to incomplete RFA.

Salivary Secretory Immunoglobulin (SIgA) and Lysozyme in Malignant Tumor Patients.

Background. The purpose of this study is to understand the oral mucosal immune status of cancer patients and to make clear whether antibacterial proteins such as salivary secretory immunoglobulin (SIgA) and lysozyme in saliva were influenced by patients' health status and certain medical treatment therapy. Materials and Methods. This study included 221 patients with malignant tumor receiving antineoplastic treatment and 171 age- and gender-matched healthy controls. Results. The results showed that patients suffering malignant tumor had lower level of SIgA and higher level of lysozyme than healthy subjects (P < 0.05). The SIgA level was significantly different among different cancer tumors, while the lysozyme level showed significant difference only between patients with digestive tract malignant tumor and hematopoietic system tumor. Pretreatment before transplantation for hematopoietic system tumor patients significantly affected the lysozyme level other than SIgA. SIgA level was affected by many factors such as age, therapy factors, and oral hygiene. Conclusion. Malignant tumor and the antineoplaston may weaken the patients' oral mucosal immunity, influence levels of some salivary proteins, and decrease the level of SIgA, resulting in aggregation of oral bacteria and failure of clearing them from the oral cavity.

Research progress in the relationship between pancreatic carcinoma and glycolysis

Pancreatic carcinoma is currently one of the most intractable malignant tumors of the digestive tract. Studies have found that the occurrence, progression and metastasis of pancreatic carcinoma are closely associated with the tumor's glycolytic pathway, most pancreatic carcinomas show the elevated glycolytic phenotype. To some extent, affecting the glycolytic pathway can influence the energy metabolism of the tumor without affecting the normal cells theoretically. Therefore, glycolytic pathway may become a new target for the treatment of pancreatic carcinoma.

Dynamic monitoring of plasma amino acids and carnitine during chemotherapy of patients with alimentary canal malignancies and its clinical value.

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to observe the plasma amino acid and carnitine characteristics in patients with metastatic gastrointestinal malignancies during chemotherapy and to identify markers for the early diagnosis and evaluation of adverse reactions and prognosis of the digestive tract malignant tumor patients.MethodsBlood samples of 30 patients with metastatic gastrointestinal malignancies were collected at four time points: before chemotherapy, the first day after chemotherapy (+1 day), bone marrow depression period (+14 days), and hematopoietic recovery period (+21 days). The plasma amino acids and carnitine from those 30 patients were determined by high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method. Simultaneously, the levels of 21 amino acids were detected in 30 healthy individuals, who were considered as control. Biochemical indexes were also detected at four time points, adverse reactions were recorded during the chemotherapy process, and patients were followed up for 1 year to observe time to progression (TTP) and progression-free survival (PFS).ResultsCompared to healthy people in the control group, patients with malignancies showed significantly increased levels of plasma amino acids such as Arg, Asp, Cit, Gly, Orn, Tyr, Val, and carnitine (such as C2). The levels of compounds such as C3, Asn, Leu, Lys, Pip, Pro, C0, C5:1 decreased significantly before chemotherapy. The levels of Cit, Cys, Lys, Pro, Tyr, Val, C0, and C2 decreased significantly on the second day of chemotherapy (+1 day), whereas the level of C3 increased significantly. During myelosuppression (+14 days), the levels of Asp, Cit, Met, and Orn were observed to still decrease significantly, whereas the level of Val appeared to increase significantly. The levels of Asp, Glu, and Met were clearly different among patients with gastric carcinoma, rectal cancer, and colon cancer. Compared to the control group, aspartate amino transferase and alanine aminotransferase were found to be higher in eight patients with hypocarnitinemia, yet TTP, PFS, and RR (response rate) were lower. No significant difference was observed for adverse reactions. The indexes in 12 patients with citrullinemia showed no difference compared with control group. All the results showed statistically significant differences (P<0.05).ConclusionReal-time monitoring of plasma amino acids and carnitine in patients with metastatic gastrointestinal malignancies can directly reflect the body’s metabolism and nutritional status. The results provide a reference for nutrition therapy or support for patients with alimentary canal malignancies. Hypocarnitinemia is a risk factor for gastrointestinal cancer patients and affects TTP, PFS, and RR by liver function. This study shows that tandem mass spectrometry can be used to detect blood amino acids and carnitine spectrum may be used for an early diagnosis and evaluation of adverse reactions and prognosis of the digestive tract malignant tumor patients.

Occurrence of oral Candida colonization and its risk factors among patients with malignancies in China.

Oral colonization of Candida could lead to later development of oropharyngeal candidiasis or candidemia among the immunocompromised patients. This study aims to describe the occurrence and risk factors of oral Candida colonization in patients with malignancies. From October 2012 to March 2013, 78 patients with pulmonary cancer (group I), 101 patients with gastrointestinal tract tumor (group II), 79 patients with hematopoietic system malignant tumor (group III), and 101 healthy controls were consecutively recruited in a hospital in Beijing, China. The oral rinse samples were taken and Candida species were identified; the enzymes activities were tested. In total, 110 and 27 Candida strains were isolated from 91 patients and 26 controls, respectively. The oral colonization rate with Candida albicans in group III (12.7 %) was significant lower than that in group I (30.8 %), group II (33.7 %), and control group (25.7 %). The oral colonization rates with non-albicans Candida species in group I, group II, and group III were 15.4, 10.9, and 12.7 %, respectively, while only one non-albicans Candida strain was identified in control group. The non-albicans Candida species exhibited a lower virulence than C. albicans. Age was an independent risk factor for Candida colonization in patients with pulmonary cancer and digestive tract malignant tumor, "Teeth brush <1 time/day" was an independent risk factor for Candida colonization in patients with hematopoietic system tumor. The differences of risk factors for oral Candida colonization in patients with different cancers require different strategies for the prevention and control of Candida infection. Old aged patients with pulmonary cancer and digestive tract malignant tumor are high-risk population for Candida colonization. Increasing frequency of teeth brush might be helpful for preventing Candida colonization.

SEM and bond strength evaluation of adaptation between liners-composites

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.

Effectiveness of oral care and lilt on oral mucositis

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.