Patients with a higher number of healthy teeth had a better response to preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for rectal cancer, as indicated by higher rates of disease downstaging and complete response. A study of 30 patients showed that those with ≥15 teeth had better outcomes, with a significant difference in disease-free survival rate and a tendency for improved overall survival. The findings suggest that oral health may influence the effectiveness of CRT and subsequent surgery outcomes in rectal cancer patients.
Journal Article by Nakao T, Shimada M (…) Yoshimoto T et 6 al. in Am Surg