Radiotherapy applies ionizing radiation at predetermined doses for a limited period of time in order to destroy tumors. The oral cavity, which has a high rate of cell renewal, is affected by the side effects of radiotherapy including osteoradionecrosis (ORN). This condition occurs due to irradiated bone tissue that becomes devitalized and exposed in the oral cavity. Conservative therapies are recommended for ORN lesions that are not extensive or in an early stage. Surgical intervention is necessary for extensive areas affected by necrosis. This study reports a case of ORN in the left mandibular body which resulted in a pathological fracture. The treatment consisted of segmental mandibulectomy and the use of a reconstruction plate. Also, low-level laser therapy around bone exposure was performed. After surgery, the patient underwent 6 months of follow-up and was satisfied with the outcome. However, the patient died before control of ORN was achieved due to a heart attack.

No abstract

The most widely used method to classify prognostic factors in cancers today is TNM. However, Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) often demonstrates different behaviors in relation to aggressiveness and therapeutic response at the same TNM stage. So, in such cases biomarkers can be used to identify the biological diversity of these tumors more reliably, leading to better therapeutic strategies and disease management. The presence of inflammatory immune cells in the tumor microenvironment can have pro or antitumor effects and the investigation of the expression of inflammatory markers in OSSC can be usefulto design immunotherapeutic interventions. The Transforming Growth Factor alpha is a potent stimulator of cell migration that acts on cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis of cancer, as well as immune suppression and angiogenesis. Inflammatory cytokines, such as Interferon-gamma, mediate macrophage differentiation. Macrophages are an important component of the OSCC microenvironment. The greater amount of tumor-associated macrophages, especially the M2 phenotype, may be associated with a more aggressive biological behavior of the OSCC and, consequently, with reduced survival.

No abstract