Post-radiation dental disease
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effect of dental and salivary gland radiation dose on the occurrence of post-radiotherapy dental disease in patients with head and neck cancer.
IRAS ID
219518
Contact name
Gerry McKenna
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Belfast Health and Social Care Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Radiotherapy is a common and effective treatment for head and neck cancer. It aims to destroy cancer cells using radiation. Unfortunately the radiation may also damage normal tissues such as the teeth and salivary glands. Consequently tooth decay and gum disease are more likely to occur.
Development of these diseases can have a significant impact on patients’ quality of life causing pain and affecting normal functions such as chewing. As a preventative measure current guidelines advise on aggressive pre-treatment care involving tooth extractions. Replacing these missing teeth, however, can be very difficult as many patients find removable dentures uncomfortable and difficult to wear.
With newer radiotherapy techniques there is now greater potential to spare the teeth and salivary glands from radiation and potentially reduce the risk of post-treatment dental disease.
This research aims to explore how the severity of tooth decay and gum disease varies based on: 1) the radiation dose to the teeth and salivary glands, and 2) the cancer site.
-People diagnosed with head and neck cancer will be invited to participate.
-Patients will have a dental check-up before radiotherapy and on three separate occasions (6-months, 12-months and 24-months) post-radiotherapy in the School of Dentistry, Belfast. This service is currently provided for all head and neck radiotherapy patients. Information will be recorded at each appointment including the condition of the teeth and gums. All patients will receive dental treatment according to current guidelines.
-Patients will receive radiotherapy as prescribed by the Clinical Oncology Team in the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre. There will be no alteration to radiotherapy.
-Dental information will be matched with the radiotherapy records to determine the relationship between radiation dose, cancer site, and dental disease.
This research will help to inform the delivery of better quality dental care for head and neck radiotherapy patients.
REC name
HSC REC B
REC reference
18/NI/0101
Date of REC Opinion
18 Jul 2018
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion