Management of radiation-induced oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients: a real-life survey among 25 Italian radiation oncology centers

• DOI: 10.1007/s00520-023-08185-5
• Publication Date: 2023-12-19T01:02:52Z
• Authors: Luca Bergamaschi; Maria Giulia Vincini; Mattia Zaffaroni; Matteo Pepa; Ilaria Angelicone; Antonio Astone; Cristiana Bergamini; Sergio Buonopane; Mario Conte; Nicola De Rosa; Chiara Deantoni; Italo Dell’Oca; Davide Di Gennaro; Nadia Di Muzio; Mattia Falchetto ...; Manuela Federico; Gianluca Ferini; Ciro Franzese; Marco Gatti; Antonietta Grillo; Vincenzo Iorio; Roberto Manzo; Luca Marmiroli; Giuseppe Martin; Federica Mazzuca; Maria Angela Moli...; Matteo Muto; Roberto Pacelli; Alfonsina Pepe; Annarita Perillo; Donatella Russo; Francesca Salerno; Pietro Spadaro; Anna Viola; Giuseppe Carlo Iorio; Paolo Muto; Umberto Ricardi; Daniela Alterio
• Keywords: Mucositis; Sodium bicarbonate; Oral mucosa

Abstract Aim Radiation-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) is the most frequent side effect in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients treated with curative radiotherapy (RT). A standardized strategy for preventing treating RIOM has not been defined. of this study was to perform a real-life survey on management among Italian RT centers. Methods 40-question administered 25 radiation oncologists working different centers across Italy. Results total 1554 HNC have participating 2021, majority (median 91%) intent. Median treatment time 41 days, mean percentage interruption due toxicity 14.5%. Eighty percent responders provide written cavity hygiene recommendations. Regarding prevention, sodium bicarbonate mouthwashes, mucosa barrier agents, hyaluronic acid-based mouthwashes were topic agents used. treatment, 14 (56%) relied literature evidence, while internal guidelines available 13 (44%). Grade (G)1 mostly steroids, local anesthetics, benzydamine used G2/G3. Steroids, painkillers, anti-inflammatory drugs systemic independently from severity. Conclusion Great variety strategies exist patients. Whether could impact patients’ compliance overall course still unclear needs further investigation.