The relationship of serum gastrin-17 and oral mucositis in head and neck carcinoma patients receiving radiotherapy

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship of serum gastrin-17 (G-17) and oral mucositis in head and neck carcinoma (HNC) patients receiving radiotherapy. Methods Serum G-17 were detected in patients before and after radiotherapy. Patients were divided into high G-17 group (baseline serum G-17 ≥ 5pmol/L) and low G-17 group (baseline serum G-17 < 5pmol/L). The severity of oral mucositis was analyzed between the two groups. Other complications such as dysphagia, salivary gland, mandible, thyroid function, larynx, pain, and weight loss were also investigated. Results Forty-two patients were analyzed in this study. The level of serum G-17 had a significant decrease after radiotherapy (7.29 ± 5.70pmol/L versus 4.93 ± 4.46pmol/L, P = 0.038). In low serum G-17 group, the incidences of grade 0, 1–2 and 3–4 of oral mucositis were 0%, 30.4%, and 69.6%, respectively. In high serum G-17 group, the incidences of grade 0, 1–2 and 3–4 of oral mucositis were 0%, 63.2%, and 36.8%, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum G-17 was negatively correlated with oral mucositis (r=-0.595, P < 0.01). Weight loss of low G-17 group was more serious than that of high G-17 group. Conclusion Serum G-17 has a close relationship with oral mucositis. Baseline serum G-17 may be a potential predictor for the severity of oral mucositis in HNC patients receiving radiotherapy.

Nurses Perceptions on Head and Neck Malignancies and Attitudes toward Cluster Oral Care Nursing in a selected Hospital in China

“…Radiotherapy stands out as an effective treatment for head and neck tumors, but the consequential occurrence of complications, particularly oral mucositis, significantly impacts patient prognosis. Head and neck tumors, marked by high morbidity and mortality, account for approximately 380,000 new cases worldwide annually, ranking eighth in malignant tumor-related deaths (Wu et al, 2022). Radiotherapy remains the primary treatment for these malignancies, with studies showcasing a 90 percent cure rate in early-stage cases treated solely with radiation (Pereira, et al, 2019), Despite its efficacy, radiotherapy for head and neck tumors damages salivary glands, leading to reduced saliva secretion, increased oral mucosa brittleness, and common symptoms like dry mouth, oral pain, radioactive oral mucositis, and diminished appetite (Winter et al, 2021).…”