Frequency of chemoradiotherapy‑induced mucositis and related risk factors in patients with the head‑and‑neck cancers: A survey in the North of Iran

Abstract

Background: In this study, we aimed at evaluating the frequency of chemoradiotherapy‑induced
mucositis (CIM, RIM) and its related risk factors in patients with the head‑and‑neck cancers (HNCs).
Materials and Methods: In this cross‑sectional prospective descriptive study, we evaluated a
total of 54 HNCs patients referred to the Oncology Chemoradiotherapy Department of Razi and
Amiralmomenin University Hospitals of Rasht, for site and grade (WHO classification) of CIM/RIM,
based on their demographic features and possible risk factors. SPSS software version 18 and statistical
tests (i.e., Fisher’s exact test) were used, and the level of significance was considered as P < 0.05.
Results: Finally, patients enrolled in the study were 34 men and 20 women (40–72‑year‑old), of
which 43 cases (79.6%) showed signs and symptoms of CIM/RIM (mostly aged 60–69‑year‑old).
Grade 2 mucositis was the most frequent type (18 cases: 33.3%) and mouth floor was the most
common site of CIM/RIM (15 patients: 34.9%). Age (P = 0.023), gender (P = 0.012), and the severity
of pain (P = 0.018) were significantly related to mucositis in patients with HNCs who underwent
chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
Conclusion: Mucositis, especially in the oral cavity, is a common complication of chemoradiotherapy
in HNCs patients. Age, gender, and the severity of pain are significantly associated with the frequency
of CIM/RIM.
Key Words: Chemoradiotherapy, mucositis, neoplasms