TITLE:
Regenerative Surgery for the Rehabilitation of a Patient after Surgery and Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer: A Case Report
AUTHORS:
M. Scala, A. Orsi, A. Rattaro, M. Trapasso, Susanna Polotto, F. Spagnolo, P. Mereu, P. L. Santi
KEYWORDS:
Regenerative Surgery, Radiation Therapy, Head and Neck, Squamous Cell Carcinoma, Platelet-Derived Growth Factors, Bone Chips
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering,
Vol.7 No.6,
May
15,
2014
ABSTRACT: Oral cancer is usually treated combining surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, following effective therapeutic protocols. Severe maxillary and mandibular bone atrophy resulting after therapies are usually treated with autologous bone grafting procedures even though these techniques often present a significant risk of postoperative complications and disadvantages. We describe the case of a 59-year-old woman presenting severe bone defect after being treated with surgery and radiotherapy for recurrent oral verrucous squamous cell carcinoma. We performed bone regeneration using Platelet-Derived Growth Factors (PDGF) in combination with autologous bone chips. Our procedure of bone regeneration allowed the placement of dental implants and the achievement of a good aesthetic and functional result. Regenerative surgery may enable the regeneration of substantial bone defects. Moreover, PDGF application decreases the risk of implant failure in irradiated patients.