The relationship of serum gastrin-17 and oral mucositis in head and neck carcinoma patients receiving radiotherapy

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to analyze the relationship of serum gastrin-17 (G-17) and oral mucositis in head and neck carcinoma (HNC) patients receiving radiotherapy. METHODS: Serum G-17 were detected in patients before and after radiotherapy. Patients were divided into high G-17 group (baseline serum G-17 ≥ 5pmol/L) and low G-17 group (baseline serum G-17 < 5pmol/L). The severity of oral mucositis was analyzed between the two groups. Other complications such as dysphagia, salivary gland, mandible, thyroid function, larynx, pain, and weight loss were also investigated. RESULTS: Forty-two patients were analyzed in this study. The level of serum G-17 had a significant decrease after radiotherapy (7.29 ± 5.70pmol/L versus 4.93 ± 4.46pmol/L, P = 0.038). In low serum G-17 group, the incidences of grade 0, 1–2 and 3–4 of oral mucositis were 0%, 30.4%, and 69.6%, respectively. In high serum G-17 group, the incidences of grade 0, 1–2 and 3–4 of oral mucositis were 0%, 63.2%, and 36.8%, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum G-17 was negatively correlated with oral mucositis (r=-0.595, P < 0.01). Weight loss of low G-17 group was more serious than that of high G-17 group. CONCLUSION: Serum G-17 has a close relationship with oral mucositis. Baseline serum G-17 may be a potential predictor for the severity of oral mucositis in HNC patients receiving radiotherapy.