Analysis of factors related to radiation-induced oral mucositis in patients with head and neck tumors undergoing radiotherapy

Abstract

Objective: To explore the risk factors of radiation-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) in patients with head and neck tumors undergoing radiotherapy.

Methods: A retrospective collection was conducted on patients with head and neck tumors who underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy in our hospital from April 1, 2015 to April 1, 2019. They were divided into an incidence group (n = 48) and a non-incidence group (n = 76) based on whether RIOM occurred, and relevant data was collected for comparison.

Results: There were statistically significant differences between the two groups of patients in terms of tumor type, smoking percentage, education level percentage, tumor stage, oral mucosal inflammation stage, radiotherapy dose, mucosal protectants, and oral hygiene condition(P < 0.05); The regression analysis results showed that smoking (OR=1.274, 95 % CI: 1.095-2.007), high-dose radiotherapy (OR=1.223, 95 % CI: 1.098-2.077), and poor oral hygiene (OR=1.367, 95 % CI: 1.024-2.890) were risk factors for RIOM.

Conclusion: Smoking, high-dose radiotherapy, and poor oral hygiene were risk factors for RIOM in head and neck patients after radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Keywords: Head and neck tumors; Oral health; Radiation induced oral mucositis; Radiotherapy; Risk factors.