Impacts of dentures on QoL, oral function and delayed healing
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The impacts of dentures on quality of life, oral function and delayed healing after radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer
IRAS ID
255195
Contact name
Mary Burke
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
King's College London
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 0 months, 0 days
Research summary
Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer (HANC) with radiotherapy can cause oral side effects such as osteoradionecrosis (ORN). ORN is defined as an area of exposed dead bone, present for greater than three months in an area that has been irradiated. High volume of radiation can lead to early development of ORN, while late development of ORN is related to traumatic procedures such as tooth extraction and compromised tissues that affect the healing process. Some dental clinicians have suggested that HANC patients who have had tooth extractions pre- or post-radiotherapy should avoid wearing dentures, as this may increase the possibility to develop ORN. However, there is currently no evidence base for this. Avoidance of dentures may have negative consequences such as loss of oral function and reduced quality of life.
This study aims to assess the use and impact of dentures after radiotherapy for HANC patients on their quality of life, oral function, and occurrence of ORN. We hope that this will inform the clinical management of HANC patients with the dental oncology team in the future, to provide an equal standard of care and improve patients’ quality of life and oral function. The study will involve screening medical records to identify patients who have had radiotherapy for treatment of HANC at Guy’s Hospital between 2008 and 2018, and who have been assessed in the Department of Sedation and Special Care Dentistry pre and post radiotherapy. Identified patients will be sent a structured questionnaire to complete and return. The study will last for one year.
REC name
London - London Bridge Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
19/LO/0248
Date of REC Opinion
20 Feb 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion