Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancers: Oral Microbiota Shifts, Complications, and Management Strategies
Radiotherapy for head and neck cancers induces oral dysbiosis marked by reduced microbial diversity and expansion of pathogenic species, potentially worsening clinical complications.
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What the study showed
The abstract reports that RT damages salivary glands and oral mucosa, causing xerostomia and mucositis, which alter the oral environment and promote dysbiosis. Dysbiosis involves increases in cariogenic bacteria (Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus), inflammatory bacteria (Prevotella, Fusobacterium), and Candida albicans. This dysbiotic profile is linked to worsening mucositis, radiation-induced caries, oropharyngeal candidiasis, and osteoradionecrosis.
How it was done
This is a narrative review compiling multiple studies on RT-induced oral microbiota changes, their clinical implications, and prevention and management strategies. The exact search methodology and inclusion criteria are not described in the abstract.
Risk of bias
As a narrative review, it is subject to selection bias and lacks quantitative synthesis. The abstract does not specify the number of included studies, methodological quality of primary studies, or population heterogeneity.
What this study does NOT prove
Direct causality between microbial shifts and the described complications cannot be established, nor can the efficacy of any management strategy be confirmed.
In clinical practice
The review suggests attention to oral microbiota monitoring in patients undergoing head and neck RT, but no specific clinical intervention can be recommended based solely on this abstract.
Limitations
As a narrative review, it is subject to selection bias and lacks quantitative synthesis. The abstract does not specify the number of included studies, methodological quality of primary studies, or population heterogeneity.
Technical appendix
Version history
- 1.0 · 2026-08-11 — Auto-generated under Evidence Standard v1.0
Paid access: structured summary from public metadata; consult the original study at the source.