Approximately 50,000 individuals are newly diagnosed with oral and pharyngeal cancer every year in the United States. Most patients are diagnosed at a later stage, thereby warranting the use of radiotherapy either as neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy. Recognize that even with advanced radiation delivery techniques such as intensity-modulated radiation therapy and intensity-modulated proton therapy, oral complications such as xerostomia, caries, trismus, and osteoradionecrosis (ORN) still exist. Post-radiation to the oral and oropharynx cavities, patients are prone to developing rampant dental caries that may result in dental extractions.
ORN is the most morbid oral complication of radiotherapy that may be managed with segmental jaw resection and reconstruction with bone flap/graft. The risk of osteoradionecrosis post-extraction in an irradiated oral/pharynx cavity exists for the remainder of the patient’s life. Prevention of ORN in these patients is crucial. Learn more about using pentoxifylline-tocopherol to prevent ORN in post-radiation patients who require dental extractions.
Register for Upcoming Sessions
April 5, 2024 10:00 am - April 5, 2024 11:00 am
All times for all events are in local Central Time.
Zoom Webinar
Course Number: CF4470
Enrollment is limited to 27.
Learn How To
- Recognize the etiology, risk factors, pathophysiology, and management of ORN
- Understand the pharmacologic properties of pentoxifylline and tocopherol
- Implement the prophylactic use of pentoxifylline and tocopherol to prevent ORN in post-irradiated patients requiring dental extractions
Training Methods
Illustrated lectures, discussions, and case studies