A multidisciplinary medical team at King Saud University’s Medical City has officially registered a new patent for a multifunctional oral device with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The device is used during radiation therapy for head and neck cancer, helping to protect and stabilize vital tissues, as well as delivering medication to treat complications associated with radiation therapy.

The research team includes oncology and radiation therapy consultant Dr. Saif Al-Jabab, oral medicine consultant Dr. Abdullah Al-Sugair, and senior dental technician Abdulrabbu Qumawi.

Dr. Al-Jabab explained that the device is an internal oral support consisting of two parts, upper and lower, that fit the dental arch. They have edges to stabilize the teeth and a spacer to maintain the distance between the jaws, in addition to a reservoir for liquid medications in the upper part and a barrier that keeps the tongue away from the radiation field to protect it. This helps reduce damage to healthy tissues and improves the accuracy of radiation targeting.

He highlighted that the device offers new hope for patients with head and neck cancer, as radiation therapy is usually accompanied by acute or chronic symptoms that negatively affect quality of life, such as stiffness and inflammation of tissues in the upper digestive tract, difficulty moving the tongue and tasting, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, and jaw necrosis caused by radiation exposure. The device helps reduce these complications without affecting the effectiveness of the treatment plan, enabling better therapeutic outcomes and improving patient experience and quality of life after treatment.

Al-Jabab also pointed out that the device contributes to reducing the number of visits and healthcare costs, especially those related to oncology, radiation therapy, oral and dental medicine, clinical nutrition, speech and language disorders, and clinical psychological support.