Sep 14, 2025
1:00 PM2:00 PM
Poster Session
P367 - EVALUATION OF THE EFFICACY OF IMRT IN THE PREVENTION OF ORAL MUCOSITIS AND NUTRITIONAL DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS TREATED FOR ORAL CAVITY CANCER
P367
EVALUATION OF THE EFFICACY OF IMRT IN THE PREVENTION OF ORAL MUCOSITIS AND NUTRITIONAL DYSFUNCTION IN PATIENTS TREATED FOR ORAL CAVITY CANCER
S. Ichou1,2,*, I. Skitioui1,2, K. Nouni1,2, A. Lachgar1,2, H. Elkacemi1,2, T. Kebdani1,2, K. Hassouni1,2
1Radiation therapy, National Institut of Oncology, 2Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Rabat, Morocco
Rationale: Oral mucositis is a common and painful complication of chemoradiation for oral cavity cancer, often leading to impaired swallowing, reduced oral intake, and malnutrition. Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is known to reduce some toxicities in head and neck cancers. This study aimed to evaluate the frequency and severity of oral mucositis and its nutritional impact in patients treated with IMRT and concurrent chemotherapy.
Methods: This observational study included 35 patients treated for oral cavity cancer with IMRT and weekly cisplatin at the National Oncology Institute of Rabat between January 2022 and January 2024. Oral mucositis was assessed weekly using the Oral Mucositis Daily Questionnaire (OMDQ) and clinical examination. Nutritional impact was evaluated based on weight loss, dietary changes, feeding tube use, and analgesic consumption.
Results: The mean age was 56 years, with a slight male predominance. Oral mucositis occurred in 94% of patients, and 60% developed severe forms, especially between weeks 2 and 4 of treatment. Functional impairments included dysphagia (84%), pain or burning sensations (88%), dysgeusia (67%), chewing difficulty (37%), and dental deterioration (54%). By the end of treatment, 78% of patients required a pureed diet. Prophylactic feeding tubes were placed in 16%, and 20% required reactive placement. Severe mucositis was more frequent in patients with locally advanced tumors, bilateral neck irradiation, poor oral hygiene, and smoking history.
Conclusion: Despite IMRT, oral mucositis remains a major complication in patients treated for oral cavity cancer, with significant nutritional consequences. Early nutritional intervention and multidisciplinary supportive care are essential to mitigate treatment-related malnutrition and maintain patient quality of life.
Disclosure of Interest: None declared