Radiotherapy Increases aMMP-8-Levels and Neutrophil/Lymphocyte Ratio Rapidly in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study

Radiotherapy for head and neck carcinoma (HNC) has both curative and palliative purposes. This study investigated mouthrinse aMMP-8 levels, molecular forms of MMP-8, blood neutrophil counts and neurophil/lymphocyte ratios before and 3 weeks after HNC radiotherapy started. Thirteen HNC patients undergoing radiotherapy were included. Mouthrinse samples (before and 3 weeks after HNC radiotherapy had started) were assayed quantitatively by aMMP-8 point-of-care-kit (PerioSafe®/ORALyzer®) and by western immunoblot. Total neutrophil counts and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios were evaluated in the hemogram results. Three weeks after HNC radiotherapy started, significant increases in aMMP-8 levels and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios were observed. No significant difference was found in total neutrophil counts. Elevations of the activated and fragmented MMP-8 levels after HNC radiotherapy application were observed on western immunoblot analysis. The increase in the aMMP-8 levels and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratios indicate inflammation both locally and systemically suggesting increased risk for periodontitis due to the HNC radiotherapy.

OUP accepted manuscript

Calcified fibrous tumor (CFT) is a rare benign tumor of mesenchymal origin. Between 1988 and 2019, a total of 272 CFT cases were reported. CFTs can be seen in all anatomical regions with soft tissue. Histologically, mononuclear inflammatory infiltrates and the presence of psammomatous calcification in dense hyalinized collagen are characteristic features of the tumor. Currently, if the tumor is located in only one focus, surgical removal is recommended. Although CFT is a benign tumor, it may cause complications. Diagnosis is often difficult due to the confusion of tumor findings with many diseases. We present a patient with CFT, whose omental lesions were detected on abdominal computed tomography, and the diagnosis was confirmed by histopathological examination.