Oral Oncology Reports最新文献

Oropharyngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OPSCC) is a challenging subtype of head and neck cancer that traditionally has been associated with poor prognosis and high morbidity due to the limitations of conventional treatments such as surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized OPSCC and other cancer therapies. ICIs that target the PD-1 and PD-L1 axis and CTLA-4 have altered cancer action by improving the immune system capacity to detect and kill cancer cells. This paper discusses the significant impact of ICIs like Pembrolizumab and Nivolumab, which have been approved for use in recurrent or metastatic OPSCC and have demonstrated remarkable efficacy in clinical trials. The integration of these therapies into clinical practice has been facilitated by the identification of biomarkers such as PD-L1 expression, which guides personalized treatment strategies. Moreover, ongoing research into combination therapies involving ICIs and other treatment modalities is poised which, leads for further improvement in patient outcomes. Despite the successes, challenges such as immune-related adverse events and resistance mechanisms remain, underscoring the need for continued innovation and exploration in the field. This review highlights the pivotal role of ICIs in redefining OPSCC treatment, offering new hope for sustained survival and improved quality of life.

Statement of problem

Whether prosthetic rehabilitation significantly affects quality of life and functions of post maxillectomy patients.

Objective

Systematically analyze the effects of different types of obturators on post-maxillectomy patients focusing on quality of life and function.

Materials and methods

An electronic search was conducted across four databases PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, and ScienceDirect in English language from January 1995 June 2024 using the key terms maxillectomy OR hemi-maxillectomy OR palatomaxillary defect OR Aramany OR Brown OR Okay AND obturator OR denture OR prosthetic AND flap OR surgery OR prosthetic rehabilitation. Additionally, a hand search was performed in the institutional library on Journal of Prosthetic Dentistry, Journal of Indian Prosthodontic Society, Journal of Prosthodontics, International Journal of Prosthodontics and Indian Journal of Prosthodontic Research.

Results

Seven articles were included in this systematic review. Patient scores from quality-of-life questionnaires and functional ability evaluations were compared across a total of 251 patients, including those with and without obturators. The evaluation included 3 prospective studies, 2 retrospective studies, 1 clinical study, and 1 randomized controlled trial. The results demonstrated a statistically significant improvement in both speech and quality of life for patients using maxillary obturators.

Conclusion

Obturator prostheses are not only improved the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) but also enhance overall function of the patient rehabilitated with maxillary oncological defects. They play a crucial role in orofacial rehabilitation by addressing functional and aesthetic challenges faced by individuals with such defects. This positive impact is likely due to the prostheses' ability to restore oral and facial functions, improve speech, and enhance self-esteem and social interactions.

Emotional distress is a psychological response that occurs in the form of mental suffering to an experience that arises from the any negative event or condition. It commonly occurs in patients who suffer from cancer-related physical pain throughout the treatments. Cancer patients face a lot of exhaustion which makes them physically and mentally dysfunctional in their daily lives. However, the Head and Neck Cancer (HNC) patients face some serious issues due to the site of tumour or surgery itself. The current study aims to describe how chemotherapy and physical pain cause emotional distress in HNC patients. Furthermore, the study aims to determine the association between all three factors (Emotional distress, pain, and chemotherapy) and highlight the relevance of care and remediation needs for HNC patients. The literature related to the concerned topic was investigated including empirical research papers, review papers. In total, the authors identified and reviewed 42 articles related to the above-mentioned variables. These articles were obtained from different databases, such as Google Scholar, PubMed, JSTOR and Research Gate. The authors then assessed the full texts of the selected articles for eligibility and extracted data from them. The study revealed that cancer patients who have tolerated physical pain and witnessed the long-term treatment of the process of chemotherapy experience extremely high emotional distress throughout the course. It was also observed that psychological distress is more common in HNC patients than in patients with cancer in other body parts. The main findings of the result indicated that emotional distress was much higher in females. Psychosocial support and palliative care should be integrated to encourage and improve the abilities of cancer-affected patients.

Low-grade mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a salivary gland tumor arising rarely within the jaw bones. It poses a diagnostic challenge due to its considerable overlap of the histopathological features with Glandular odontogenic cyst (GOC). Various theories have been put forward to explain the origin of central low-grade MEC, one of the potential being MEC arising from the lining of GOC. In the present paper we report a case of a multilocular lesion in a 54-year-old female in the mandibular anterior region, which clinically and microscopically had a resemblance to the glandular odontogenic cyst, but the final diagnosis of low-grade MEC was confirmed based on the immunohistochemical appraisal.