A systematic review and meta-analysis of radiation-induced oral complications in head and neck cancer…

ReviewJournal of cranio-maxillo-facial surgery : official publication of the European Association for Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Surgery· Aug 2026

A systematic review and meta-analysis of radiation-induced oral complications in head and neck cancer: Prevalence and clinical outcomes.

Mohammad M Alnaeem, Sameera Khaled Darwish, Mohammad A Abu Sabra

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Head & Neck SurgeryReviewClinical practice

Xerostomia affects the vast majority of head and neck cancer patients after radiotherapy.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of radiation-induced oral complications in head and neck cancer: Prevalence and clinical outcomes.

Mohammad M Alnaeem … Mohammad A Abu Sabra

Journal of cranio-maxillo-facial surgery · Aug 2026

Background

Radiation-induced oral complications, notably xerostomia and oral mucositis (oral mucositis), are common and debilitating in patients with head and neck cancer (head and neck cancer), adversely affecting swallowing, nutritional intake, and overall quality of life (quality of life).

Purpose

This review aimed to quantify the prevalence of radiation-induced xerostomia and oral mucositis and synthesize their impact on dysphagia and nutritional status among head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy (radiotherapy).

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted following PRISMA guidelines.

n = 51 studies

Results

xerostomia hit most patients after radiotherapy

OR 0.58 (95% CI 0.42 to 0.80)

null 1

0.42

0.80

CI excludes the null - significant

More results

Severe oral mucositis (Grade 3-4) had a prevalence of 39.5% (95% CI: 23.1-58.8%).

These complications were strongly interrelated and significantly associated with dysphagia (69.8%; 95% CI: 53.1-83.7%), malnutrition (66.6%; 95% CI: 37.3-95.9%), and poor quality of life (pooled mean quality of life score: 64.13/100).

More results

Studies employing advanced radiation techniques (e.g., IMRT) demonstrated a lower prevalence of xerostomia (OR = 0.58, 95% CI: 0.42-0.80) compared to conventional radiotherapy.

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Conclusion · 1 of 3

Radiation-induced oral complications (xerostomia & oral mucositis) remain prevalent and clinically significant burden in head and neck cancer patients, contributing to a cascade of functional impairments and diminished quality of life.

Conclusion · 2 of 3

These findings highlight the need for preventive strategies, symptom management interventions, and the broader adoption of advanced radiotherapy techniques.

Conclusion · 3 of 3

Longitudinal research is warranted to further evaluate long-term outcomes and guide patient-centered care models.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of radiation-induced oral complications in head and neck cancer: Prevalence and clinical outcomes.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of radiation-induced oral complications in head and neck cancer: Prevalence and clinical outcomes.

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