RISK-FACTORS FOR OROPHARYNGEAL CANDIDIASIS IN PATIENTS WHO RECEIVE RADIATION-THERAPY FOR MALIGNANT CONDITIONS OF THE HEAD AND NECK

Twenty-seven consecutive patients receiving radiation to the head and neck were followed to assess risk factors for the development of candi diasis. One-third of the patients developed oral candidiasis during ra diation therapy. Xerostomia was shown to correlate with risk of oropha ryngeal infection (p = 0.033). The presence and use of oral prostheses were shown to correlate with oral colonization of Candida albicans be fore radiation therapy (p = 0.011). Alcohol use and smoking represent risk factors for oral colonization by Candida during radiation therapy (p = 0.023 and p = 0.045 respectively). These factors must be assesse d in future studies of oropharyngeal candidiasis in radiation therapy.