Salivary Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) as a Marker for Radiation-induced Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancers: A Preliminary Study

Shivashankara, Arnadi; Tonse, Raees; Suresh, Sucharitha; George, Thomas; Vidyasagar, Mamidipudi Srinivasa; Rao, Suresh; Baliga,, Manjeshwar Shrinath

doi:10.30476/mejc.2019.81573.1027

Salivary Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) as a Marker for Radiation-induced Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancers: A Preliminary Study

Document Type : Original Article(s)

Authors

Arnadi Shivashankara ¹

Raees Tonse ²

Sucharitha Suresh ³

Thomas George ³

Mamidipudi Srinivasa Vidyasagar ²

Suresh Rao ⁴

Manjeshwar Shrinath Baliga, ⁴

¹ Departments of Biochemistry Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India

² Radiation Oncology Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India

³ Community Medicine, MBBS student, Father Muller Medical College, Mangalore, Karnataka, India

⁴ Radiation Oncology, Mangalore Institute of Oncology, Pumpwell, Mangalore, Karnataka, India

https://doi.org/10.30476/mejc.2019.81573.1027

Abstract

Background: In this study, we sought to understand the usefulness of salivary lactate
dehydrogenase as a predictive marker for the development of radiation-induced
mucositis.
Methods: This was a prospective study with head and neck cancer patients who
required curative radiotherapy (>60Gy). We collected patients’ saliva before the onset
of radiation and after 2 Gy of radiation to assess lactate dehydrogenase levels. The patients
received the stipulated oral and dental care. Data on incidence and severity of mucositis
was collected using a preform sheet and oral mucositis assessment scale published by
the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group throughout the 7-week treatment period.
Results: Salivary lactate dehydrogenase increased with exposure to radiation
(P<0.0001) and there was an observed association with mucositis severity (P<0.0001;
r = 0.515).
Conclusion: The present results have established, for the first time, that salivary
lactate dehydrogenase could be a useful predictive marker to understand the development
of radiation-induced mucositis in patients with head and neck cancer. The proximity
of the oral cavity for regular observation and saliva collection is an added advantage.

Keywords

Head and neck cancer

Salivary lactate dehydrogenase

Mucositis