The effectiveness of the prevention bundle and the assessment of the quality of life in patients who receive radiotherapy for head and neck cancer

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 18K10275
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (C)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Section: 一般
• Review Section: Basic Section 58060:Clinical nursing-related
• Research Institution: Nagasaki University
• Principal Investigator: Kawashita Yumiko 長崎大学, 医歯薬学総合研究科(歯学系), 助教 (10304958)
• Project Period (FY): 2018-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 頭頸部癌 / 放射線治療 / 口腔粘膜炎

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Radiotherapy is a common treatment for head and neck cancer, and it is effective in preserving the shape and function of the affected area. However, radiotherapy can also result in adverse events, such as oral mucositis, taste disorders, and dry mouth. Oral mucositis, in particular, is a common side effect of radiotherapy, and it is important to practice oral management to prevent severe mucositis. Despite the importance of oral management, it has not yet been fully established. Therefore, I conducted studies to investigate the factors associated with severe mucositis and to identify effective strategies for preventing it.

Free Research Field

口腔保健学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

頭頸部への放射線治療によって口内炎をはじめとする癌治療の早期に生じる有害事象や放射線性口腔乾燥によって生じるむし歯の晩期の有害事象がある。そのため、本研究によって放射線治療前から口腔管理を行う方法が確立できれば、放射線治療の完遂と放射線治療後の晩期の有害事象を抑制することに貢献できると考えられる。さらに高齢者人口の増加に伴い、頭頸部癌で放射線治療を受ける患者が増えることから口腔管理の方法が確立することの社会的意義は大きいと考えられる。