Intraoral radiation stents—Primer for clinical use in head and neck cancer therapy. Issue 12 (4th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Singh, Annu; Rosen, Evan B.; Randazzo, Joseph D.; Estilo, Cherry L.; Gelblum, Daphna Y.; Huryn, Joseph M.
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 43:Issue 12(2021)
• Page Start: 4010
• Page End: 4017
• Publication Date: 2021-09-04
• Subjects: head and neck cancer -- intraoral radiation stent -- radiation bite block -- radiation mouthguard -- radiation therapy; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.26848
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

Abstract: Intraoral radiation stents (IRS) are prosthetic devices that assist in the effective delivery of radiation to tumor tissues and aim to avoid unnecessary radiation to adjacent healthy tissues, thus limiting postradiotherapy toxicities. They are used to protect or displace vital structures, assist in positioning of the treatment beam for effective administration of radiotherapy, carry a radioactive material, shield healthy tissues of the oral cavity, and/or maintain the desired mouth opening during radiotherapy. With close collaboration between radiation oncologist and oral health care provider, several IRS can be fabricated by the latter for appropriate targeting and delivery of planned radiation dose and optimized treatment results. Modification of these IRS based on individual patient need is recommended to maximize prosthesis utility. The purpose of this review is to discuss the various types of IRS and highlight their clinical utility and benefits in patients receiving radiation therapy in the head and neck cancers.