Pre- and Post-Operative Quality of Life in Patients with Osteoradionecrosis of the Jaw.
Sven OttoShreeja ShreejaSara Carina KakoschkeMohammed Michael AlbittarAndreas WidenhornTamara Katharina KakoschkePublished in: Cancers (2024)
Osteoradionecrosis of the jaw (ORNJ) is a feared complication following radiation therapy performed for oncological treatment of head and neck cancers (HNC). To date, there is no clear evidence regarding the impact of surgical treatment of ORNJ on the quality of life (QoL) of affected patients. However, understanding the significance of the surgical treatment approach and its effects on QoL is an essential factor in the decision-making process for optimal, individualized therapy. In this prospective clinical study, QoL was assessed in relation to health related QoL (HRQoL) and oral health related QoL (OHQoL) before and after surgical treatment of ORNJ using standardized questionnaires (EORTC QLQ-C30, QLQ-HN35, OHIP-14). The overall QoL scores as well as individual domains of the collected scales regarding functional and symptom-related complaints were statistically analyzed. Subgroups concerning age, gender, different risk factors and type of ORNJ therapy were compared using Kruskal Wallis test. In addition, clinical and demographic patient data were collected and analyzed. QoL improvement correlated with the type of surgical ORNJ and the length of hospitalization. Better QoL scores were achieved post-operatively regarding different symptoms like pain, swallowing and mouth opening. Long-term effects of radiation therapy remained visibly restrictive to QoL and worsen over time.
Keyphrases
- radiation therapy
- risk factors
- decision making
- ejection fraction
- chronic pain
- newly diagnosed
- stem cells
- case report
- squamous cell carcinoma
- machine learning
- mental health
- radiation induced
- mesenchymal stem cells
- depressive symptoms
- bone marrow
- spinal cord
- prognostic factors
- young adults
- spinal cord injury
- neuropathic pain
- minimally invasive
- replacement therapy
- robot assisted
- artificial intelligence