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

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.