[The RTOG score (Radiation Therapy Oncology Group) as a guide to treatment of the irradiated field].

Abstract

The RTOG score, which describes radiation-caused side effects in a reproducible way, was introduced as a guide for the treatment of irradiated patients. By means of a prospective study (27 patients; acute effects) and a retrospective study (81 patients; long-term effects) the score was evaluated. Special importance was placed on the recording of dental and maxillofacial findings as well as on the therapeutic outcome. It was shown that frequency of dental lesions increased with the score of radiation effects while dental treatment decreased inverse to the score of radiation effects. Evaluation of radiation reactions of the lower jaw showed better results concerning preventive treatment and osteoradionecrosis than have been described in the literature.