The effect of irradiation upon the bacterial flora in patients with head and neck cancer

Rice, Dale H.; Gill, Gus

doi:10.1288/00005537-197911000-00018

Cited by 27 publications

(13 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…Radiotherapy is associated with a marked increase in oral Gram‐negative microorganisms, including enterobacteria and pseudomonads (Rice and Gill, 1979) and it has been speculated that their presence could contribute to mucositis (Martin, 1993) but might also result in the release endotoxins which could cause adverse systemic effects (Spijkervet et al , 1989a). However, a role for antibacterial therapy in the control of radiation‐induced mucositis has not been established.…”

Section: Prophylaxis Of Mucositismentioning

confidence: 99%

Oral mucositis

2006

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Mucositis and xerostomia are the most common oral complications of the non-surgical therapy of cancer. Mucositis, a common sequel of radio- (DXR), chemo-(CXR) and radiochemo-therapy in patients with cancer, or patients requiring haemopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT), has a direct and significant impact on the quality of life and cost of care, and also affects survival--because of the risk of infection. Apart from dose reduction, preventive and treatment options for mucositis are scarce, although multiple agents have been tested. Evidence suggests that cryotherapy, topical benzydamine and amifostine might provide some benefit in specific situations. The recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor Palifermin (Kepivance) was recently approved as a mucositis intervention in patients receiving conditioning regimens before HSCT for the treatment of haematological malignancies. A number of mechanistically based interventions are in various stages of development. Unfortunately, many other approaches have not been rigorously tested. This paper reviews the clinical features, prevalence, diagnosis, complications, pathogenesis, prophylaxis and management of mucositis.

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Section: Prophylaxis Of Mucositismentioning

confidence: 99%

Oral mucositis

2006

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“…In this work the effect of irradiation on oropharyngeal bacterial flora in patients with head and neck cancer was studied. This is of the utmost importance as most postoperative infections in the head and neck are endogenous from the oropharynx (Rice and Gill 1979). (McCormic, 1985).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Radiotherapeutic effect on oropharyngeal flora in patients with head and neck cancer

Shara¹,

Ghareeb²,

Zaher³

et al. 1993

J. Laryngol. Otol.

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The affect of radiotherapy on oropharyngeal bacterial flora was studied in the hope that this might help in controlling post-operative infections in previously irradiated patients. Eighty patients were included from whom swabs were taken before and at the end of irradiation, Swabs were also taken two weeks after treatment in the last 40 patients. Thirty healthy controls were included.It was found that coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus, β-haemolytic streptococci, Candida albicans, B. proteus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, were significantly increased at the end of irradiation, while Klebsiella was increased significantly in the period after irradiation. Culture and sensitivity was performed for the organisms isolated in the last 40 patients.From this study it is evident that irradiation has a significant effect on oropharyngeal flora.

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“…A substantial collection of data supports the notion that radiation therapy effectively results in changes in the normal oral flora. Radiotherapy is associated with a marked increase in oral gram‐negative enterobacteria and pseudomonads 117. It has been speculated that their presence could contribute to mucositis118 but might also result in the release of endotoxins that could cause adverse systemic effects 119.…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%