Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer and Dental Considerations

Radiotherapy (RT) is indicated for around 60–80% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) cancers treated with curative intent either as a definitive local treatment or as an adjuvant after surgical removal of the tumour [1]. Typical dose of RT required for sterilizing microscopic tumour cells (adjuvant) ranges from 56–60 Gy to 66–70 Gy for gross (definitive) disease [2]. Although an extremely effective modality for HNSCC, RT to the face and neck is associated with significant morbidity and a high incidence of acute/ late side effects [3]. With the advent of modern RT techniques like intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), image guided radiotherapy (IGRT) and adaptive RT, the incidence of these complications have decreased but they still remain significant.