ICHNO-ECHNO 2022 - Abstract Book

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ICHNO-ECHNO 2022

Conclusion Stereotactic hypofractionated boost seems to be a viable option for dose escalation in patients with advanced stages of nasopharyngeal and oral cavity cancer. Dose escalation related toxicity was mild.

PO-0088 Novel treatment of xerostomia by transcutaneous electrical stimulation of the auriculotemporal nerve

F. Salimi 1 , A. Zarebski 2 , F. Saavedra 3 , J. FitzGerald 4 , B. Andrews 3 , S. Winter 5

1 University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, Oxford , United Kingdom; 2 University of Oxford, Oxford Martin School, Oxford, United Kingdom; 3 University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, Oxford, United Kingdom; 4 University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Oxford, United Kingdom; 5 University of Oxford, Nuffield Department of surgical sciences , Oxford , United Kingdom Purpose or Objective Head and neck cancers (HNC) are the sixth most common cancer worldwide with approximately 630,000 new patients diagnosed annually. Over the last decade, there has been a 20% increase in the incidence of HNC worldwide, in particular among younger demographics who have a higher survival rate. Approximately 80% of patients receive radiotherapy as part of their care. Dry mouth (xerostomia) remains one of the most significant long-term effects on quality of life following radiotherapy which leads to difficulty swallowing and severe oral pathology. Currently, there is no long-term solution. Our project aims to combine targeted stimulation of the salivary glands with minimal discomfort. The proposed system incorporates a novel stimulating electrode, developed using COMSOL simulation, featuring focused activation and increased depth penetration.

Materials and Methods Computational modelling

Nerve activation from surface electrodes requires the application of electrical current through the skin, fat, and muscle layers. We developed a computational model of the course of the auriculotemporal nerve to find an optimal way to activate the nerve and parotid gland. This model is implemented in the software COMSOL Multiphysics and is based on a novel 3D