Spectrum of chemo-radiotherapy induced fungal infection in head and neck cancer patients at tertiary care centre of Eastern India

Prakash, Vijay; Singh, Rajesh; Saurabh, Kumar; Kumar, Vikas; Kumari, Roushan; Kumar, Santosh; Rajpal, Kamlesh; Sinha, Dinesh Kumar; Parwez, Akhtar

doi:10.1016/j.oor.2023.100039

Cited by 3 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 16 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…In a recent study conducted in eastern India, researchers identified a notable presence of nonalbicans Candida species causing oral infections, demonstrating a significant variance in virulence compared to C. albicans. 26 Out of the total 19 NAC isolated in our study, 12% were C. krusei, which is inherently resistant to fluconazole. Fluconazole is the recommended first line of drug used to treat fungal infections in head and neck cancer so is particularly challenging to choose the prophylactic antifungal drug.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 70%

Adherence of Candida Species Isolated from Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Presented for Radiation Therapy and its Correlation with Hemogram

Babu,

Saikumar,

Raphael

2023

J. Pure Appl. Microbiol.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The objective of the current study was to quantify the adherence property of Candida species causing infections in head and neck cancer patients on radiation therapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Additionally, the study aimed to establish a correlation between adherence properties and patients’ hemograms. A prospective cohort study was done on head and neck cancer (HNC) patients with oropharyngeal candidiasis. All patients received radiation doses ranging from 60 to 70 Gy using Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy. Inoperable patients received concurrent chemotherapy with cisplatin 40mg/m2 once weekly during the course of RT. Swabs were collected from patients with signs and symptoms of candidiasis and microbiological confirmation and speciation were done according to standard protocol. An in vitro adherence test was done. Hemogram of all the patients at the start of infection was compared with the adherence. Candidiasis was detected in 58(35.3%) out of a total of 164 patients (Age 36-85). Candida albicans was the most prevalent 39(67.2%) species isolated. C.albicans showed the highest adherence which was statistically significant. The hemogram at the start of treatment and with C. albicans infection showed a statistically significant decrease in the absolute lymphocyte count (p-value 0.0001), RBC count (p-value 0.004) and haemoglobin level (p-value 0.003). Less adherence was seen with non-albicans Candida infection when compared to C.albicans (Odds 0.894, 95% CI -0.818-0.977), significant at 5 % (0.013). C. albicans showed significant adherence, which indicates the severity of infection. The occurrence of oral candidiasis is strongly associated with low lymphocyte count and severity of mucositis. Absolute lymphocyte count needs to be monitored in HNC patients who are undergoing RT or CRT.

show abstract

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 70%

Adherence of Candida Species Isolated from Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Presented for Radiation Therapy and its Correlation with Hemogram

Babu,

Saikumar,

Raphael

2023

J. Pure Appl. Microbiol.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

The adverse impact of chemo-radiotherapy on the quality of life of oral cancer patients: A review

Bhutani,

Singh,

Mishra

et al. 2024

Oral Oncology Reports

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Oral Candida in post‐radiotherapy patients with xerostomia/hyposalivation: A narrative review

Bhumitrakul,

Lam‐ubol,

Matangkasombut

2024

Oral Diseases

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

ObjectiveHead and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients receiving radiotherapy (RT) often suffer from xerostomia and/or hyposalivation. As saliva plays an important antimicrobial and cleansing roles, these patients are at higher risks of opportunistic infections. This narrative review aims to provide an overview of current evidence on oral Candida colonisation and infection in these patients.MethodsA literature review of clinical studies on oral Candida colonisation and candidiasis in HNC patients receiving radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy was conducted.ResultsMany clinical studies found high levels of Candida colonisation and a substantial proportion of post‐RT HNC patients suffering from oropharyngeal candidiasis (OPC). Importantly, oral Candida could be a reservoir for life‐threatening systemic infection in immunocompromised patients. The rising prevalence of non‐albicans Candida species and drug‐resistant infections has made identification of Candida species and antifungal susceptibility more important. Recent advances in oral microbiome and its interactions with Candida are discussed. This review also offers perspectives on limitations of current evidence and suggestions for future research.ConclusionFurther research to better understand Candida carriage, microbiome, OPC, and xerostomia/hyposalivation post‐RT would aid in devising a more comprehensive long‐term management plan and novel therapeutic approaches for HNC patients to achieve the full benefits of RT while minimising side effects.

show abstract

Spectrum of chemo-radiotherapy induced fungal infection in head and neck cancer patients at tertiary care centre of Eastern India

Cited by 3 publications

References 16 publications

Adherence of Candida Species Isolated from Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Presented for Radiation Therapy and its Correlation with Hemogram

Adherence of Candida Species Isolated from Patients with Head and Neck Cancer Presented for Radiation Therapy and its Correlation with Hemogram

The adverse impact of chemo-radiotherapy on the quality of life of oral cancer patients: A review

Oral Candida in post‐radiotherapy patients with xerostomia/hyposalivation: A narrative review

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About