Materials and effects of intraoral device technologies for complication protection in head and neck cancer radiotherapy: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND

This review aims to analyze the effectiveness of intraoral devices, emphasizing predominant materials, key manufacturing technologies, and their prophylactic role in mitigating complications during radiotherapy for head and neck cancer patients.

METHODS

The searches were conducted in the PubMed, ScienceDirect, Medline, VHL, Cochrane Library, SciELO, INCA, and MedRxiv databases using the MeSH descriptors "radiation therapy," "intraoral devices," and "protection." These descriptors were connected by the Boolean operator "AND," with a focus on articles published up to 2024. The study, carried out by two independent reviewers following the PRISMA checklist, focused on analyzing intraoral radiation protection devices. It explores the materials used in their fabrication, beam type, dose, and irradiation techniques employed during radiotherapy sessions. Additionally, the study investigates the side effects associated with and without the use of these devices in patients.

RESULTS

Evidence emphasizes the specific dental needs of head and neck cancer patients. Furthermore, the hypothesis regarding the benefits of these devices in reducing setup errors and minimizing toxic doses to healthy tissues during radiotherapy is supported. These devices are composed of different materials, with varying densities and designs tailored to their intended function. 3D printing proves to be an effective tendency in the manufacturing of these instruments.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate a positive impact of using these devices for functional preservation, improvement in quality of life, and a reduction in the demand for oral treatments and rehabilitation. The analysis underscores the importance of determining the applicability for each clinical case of the specific radiotherapeutic treatment.