Riyadh: A multidisciplinary team at King Saud University Medical City (KSUMC) has registered a patent with the United States Patent and Trademark Office for a multifunctional oral device designed for use during radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, which protects and stabilizes vital tissues while also delivering medications to manage radiation-related complications.
According to Saudi Press Agency, the KSUMC team includes Assistant Professor and Consultant in Radiation Oncology Dr. Saif Aljabab, Assistant Professor and Consultant of Oral Medicine Dr. Abdullah Alsoghier, and Senior Specialist in Dental Technology Abdurabu Gomawi.
Aljabab described the device as an internal oral splint composed of two pieces that fit over the dental arch. The design includes stabilizing ridges, a jaw spacer, a medication reservoir, and a shield that protects the tongue from radiation, thereby enhancing treatment accuracy and reducing damage to healthy tissues.
This innovation addresses severe side effects of radiation therapy, such as tissue hardening and swallowing difficulties, improving patient quality of life without affecting treatment efficacy. Furthermore, it may reduce healthcare visits and associated costs in oncology and related fields.