Osteoradionecrosis of the Jaw

This multicenter, randomized controlled trial is designed to determine whether omitting prophylactic extraction of impacted teeth before radiotherapy leads to an unacceptably higher risk of jaw osteoradionecrosis (JORN) compared with conventional prophylactic extraction in patients with non-metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). JORN is a condition in which jawbone tissue is damaged and fails to heal properly after radiotherapy. A total of 536 eligible participants with at least one impacted tooth will be randomly assigned to either omit prophylactic extraction of impacted teeth before radiotherapy or undergo conventional prophylactic extraction before radiotherapy. All participants will receive standard curative-intent intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), with chemotherapy administered when indicated according to the study protocol. Participants will be followed for up to 5 years. The primary outcome is the incidence of JORN within 2 years after completion of radiotherapy. Secondary outcomes include longer-term incidence of JORN, overall survival, locoregional relapse-free survival, distant metastasis-free survival, quality of life, and treatment-related toxicities.

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) and medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaw (MRONJ) are debilitating complications following dental extractions in patients who have received head and neck radiotherapy or antiresorptive therapy. These conditions are associated with significant morbidity, including persistent pain, poor oral function, and reduced quality of life. While preventive strategies remain limited, platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF), an autologous fibrin matrix enriched with growth factors, has shown potential in promoting wound healing and modulating inflammation. This prospective, triple-blind, randomised pilot trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of L-PRF in enhancing socket healing and reducing the incidence of ORN and MRONJ. Forty patients (20 post-radiotherapy, 20 on antiresorptive agents) undergoing non-surgical dental extractions will be randomised to receive either L-PRF or standard care. The primary outcome is mucosal healing at Day 10 post-extraction, assessed using the Landry wound healing index. Secondary outcomes include the incidence of ORN or MRONJ at extraction sites assessed at 9, 17, 25, and 52 weeks. This study aims to provide early evidence on the clinical utility of L-PRF in preventing osteonecrosis in high-risk patients.