According to the Union of International Cancer Control Report, the annual incidence of head and neck cancers worldwide is more than 5,50,000, and 90% of this includes the oral cavity [1]. India fact sheet of GLOBOCAN 2020 reports that oral cancers have the second most incidence (10.3%) with 1,35,929 new cases and 8.8% mortality yearly [2]. The International Agency for Cancer Research has predicted that India’s incidence of oral cancer will rise to more than 1.7 million in 2035 [3] due to increased usage of tobacco chewing. Cancer Statistics in India (2018) shows oral cancer as the leading cause of mortality in men, and it is responsible for 25% of cancer-related deaths [4]. World Health Organisation (WHO) report on the global frequency of benign and malignant odontogenic tumors presented that the incidence of tumors affecting the mandible is double that of the maxilla (2.8:1). The benign odontogenic tumors constitute a major percent (95.7%) than the malignant tumors (4.3%), among which ameloblastoma accounts for 30.6% [5]. Treatment of these tumors necessitates surgical removal of the jaw bone, but the resection (either segmental or marginal) leaves the patient with functional impairments like difficulty in mastication, deglutition, and speech along with aesthetic defects like loss of continuity, contour, bone height and width [6].
Vascularised free fibula is the standard autograft used for mandibular reconstruction. Further, Titanium dental implants will be placed to the fibula for dental rehabilitation as it serves as an artificial analog of the missing teeth. This in turn enhances the quality of the patient’s life by improving the masticatory efficiency and aesthetic outcome [7]. Nevertheless, there is a height discrepancy between the native mandible and transplanted fibula, restricting the placement of dental implants [8]. The compromised implant length due to reduced vertical bone height can lead to an improper implant crown root ratio. In addition, an increased prosthetic height to achieve the occlusal plane level will lead to implant overloading and failure of the prosthesis. This necessitates the need for vertical bone augmentation in the fibula reconstructed mandible. Surgical techniques like double-barrelling and vertical distraction osteogenesis can increase bone height, but those techniques are complicated [9]. Onlay grafting using iliac crest (placement of graft on the fibula and its fixation with screws) is another option, but it has drawbacks such as high resorption rate and donor site morbidity [10]. Hence, there is a need for an efficient biomaterial to be placed over fibula, which can promote bone regeneration and increase the bone height. An ideal biomaterial should provide an extracellular matrix microenvironment that mimics the natural bone in regulating cell and tissue behavior. In load-bearing regions like mandible, the strength of the scaffold is also significant in providing signals for bone remodeling. This material also has to accept titanium implant placement. At present, there is no synthetic block graft available for intra-oral bone augmentation purposes to satisfy all these needs.
Natural bone is principally a fibrous composite, consisting of inorganic (60–65wt% nanohydroxyapatite (nanoHA) as well as various trace elements like Na, Mg, K, Sr, Zn, Ba, Cu, Fe, and Si) and organic phase (30–35% collagen fibrils). Many synthetic biomaterials like nanoHA, nanoHA composites and Si-HA are widely used in clinics for orthopaedic and dental applications because of their chemical and crystallographic similarity to bone apatite. Still, none of them was found suitable for bone augmentation and Ti dental implantation [11, 12, 13].
NANOTEX BONE Graft is a fibrous composite that mimics native bone and is made of silica-nanoHA-gelatin with poly L(Lactic acid) (PLLA) fibers [14]. The incorporation of fibers in silica-nanoHA-gelatin matrix can enhance mechanical strength and allow handling during surgical implantation. It is porous (pore size ranges between 50–350 um) and osteoconductive, promoting the infiltration and proliferation of stem cells and osteogenic cells. Besides, it enhances the osteogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. The material has also been shown to promote the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor, resulting in enhanced endothelial functionality and angiogenesis, a process that is important for new bone formation [15]. Preclinical studies performed in rabbit and pig models proved its ability to promote new bone formation in critical-sized mandible defects through the normal bone healing process. In parallel to bone tissue regeneration, better biodegradation was noted for nanocomposite fibrous scaffold and its biodegradation rate was in par with new tissue formation. More importantly, the newly formed bone could efficiently integrate with Ti dental implants, which was demonstrated in pre-clinical studies [16, 17, 18].
The primary objective of this study is to evaluate the safety of the NANOTEX BONE Graft in combination with the fibula flap implanted at segmental mandibulectomy defects. The secondary objective is to evaluate the efficacy of the NANOTEX BONE Graft in bone regeneration when augmented on the fibula and Titanium dental implant integration.
Prospective, single-center, non-randomized pilot clinical study.
Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, India. The study treatment duration is expected to be 12 months.
NANOTEX BONE (Nanocomposite Fibrous Scaffold), is a mechanically strong, porous, biodegradable scaffold with bone regeneration properties.
Subjects of both genders with 18–65 years of age suitable for mandible reconstruction resulting from tumor resection or trauma.
Inclusion and exclusion criteria are summarized in Table 1.
Table 1
Inclusion and exclusion criteria.
INCLUSION CRITERIA | EXCLUSION CRITERIA |
---|---|
Patients must be 18 to 65 years of age while signing the informed consent. | Uncontrolled alcohol, tobacco, or substance abuse within 6 months before implantation |
Segmental mandibular defect due to benign tumor resection or trauma | Patients indicated for radiotherapy before and after surgery |
A female patient who is neither pregnant nor breastfeeding | Mandibular ramus defects with open wounds |
A patient who can report to the study center at defined timelines throughout the study duration | Active uncontrolled infection or malignancy |
Patients whose clinical laboratory test results are within the reference range for healthy individuals, or where outside the reference range are judged as not clinically relevant by the Investigator | Systemic disease that would affect the surgical procedure or implant integration including uncontrolled diabetes, osteoporosis, rare bone disorders like osteopetrosis, or any other metabolic bone disease |
Conditions like inherited coagulopathies or bleeding disorders that may affect the implant success or cause post-operative complications | |
Increased alkaline phosphatase, increased serum calcium, or Vitamin D deficiency. Oral bisphosphonate or the use of systemic steroids or anabolic agents (e.g., teriparatide) for osteoporosis treatment. | |
Patients with inadequate donor sites for lipoaspirate of adipose tissue | |
Mixed connective tissue diseases and collagen diseases that can result in poor wound healing after surgery | |
Assuming the level of significance as 5%, the incidence rate of adverse events as 3%, and the margin of error as 10%, the study will be done in 10 subjects to estimate the safety and efficacy with enough precision.
Subjects are considered enrolled in the study upon signing the Institute Ethics Committee approved Informed Consent Form (ICF). Informed consent will be obtained before performing any of the study-related procedures or entering any subject data in the Case Report Form. The patient will be given adequate information about the study and sufficient time to comprehend the information in the IC Form before deciding to participate in the study. The study center will be responsible for maintaining subject identification records (Eg. Subject identification log).
Clinical data will be collected at the Screening Visit, Surgery Period (Day 1- Day 10), Follow up Visit (1 month and 3 months), Titanium Implant placement (6 Months), Prosthesis placement (9 months), and End Follow up Visit (12 Months).
Safety of NANOTEX BONE Graft: The adverse events will be assessed by 3 parameters: Inflammation, wound dehiscence, and discharging sinus. The assessment will be done at all time points and scores will be given for each category.
The sponsor along with Clinical Research Organization (CRO) will conduct the statistical analysis through a separate Statistical Analysis Plan (SAP). In general, continuous data will be presented by descriptive statistics i.e. mean, standard deviation (SD), median, minimum and maximum values. To test the statistical significance between baseline and post findings, paired t-test for normal data or Wilcoxon -Signed rank test for skewed data will be used. Categorical data will be summarized using counts (N: Number of subjects per treatment group, n: number of subjects with non-missing values) and percentages. To test the statistical significance of the changes in the proportion of categorical variables between baseline and post-findings, McNemar’s Chi-Square test will be used.
Sponsor/CRO shall ensure proper monitoring of this clinical study through trained clinical research associates or monitors appointed by them. To ensure that the study is conducted following the CIP, the Clinical Trial Agreement, and applicable regulatory and local requirements, the Sponsor/CRO representative or delegates will be allowed access to the subjects’ case histories (clinic and hospital records, and other source data/documentation) upon request. The consent form will be available for monitoring and auditing. The Principal Investigator and site personnel will provide the monitor (s) with complete access to primary source data (e.g., paper and electronic hospital/clinical charts, laboratory records), which support the CRF data and other documents regarding the conduct of the study. Monitoring visits may be scheduled periodically to ensure high degree of data quality.
DATA CATEGORY | INFORMATION |
---|---|
Trial identification number | CTRI/2022/07/044291 |
Date of CTRI registration | 25/07/2022 |
Sources of monetary or financial support | Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), Govt. of India |
Sponsor | Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Govt. of India |
Contact for public queries | subu.amrita@gmail.com |
Contact for scientific queries | manithanair80@gmail.com |
Study type | Non-randomized Control Trial |
Public title | Safety and efficacy evaluation of NANOTEX BONE graft along with fibula flap in reconstruction of the segmental mandibular defect – A Pilot Clinical Trial |
Scientific title | A prospective, single-center, non-randomized pilot clinical study to evaluate the safety and efficacy of biodegradable NANOTEX BONE graft (Nanocomposite Fibrous Scaffold) along with fibula flap in reconstruction of segmental mandibular defect due to tumor resection or trauma |
Countries of recruitment | India |
Intervention | NANOTEX BONE graft |
Date of the first patient enrolled | 01/08/2022 |
Recruitment status | Started recruiting |
Key inclusion criteria | Age- 18 to 65 years; Segmental mandibular defect due to benign tumor or trauma resection. |
Key exclusion criteria | Patients indicated for radiotherapy before and after surgery; Mandibular ramus defects with open wounds; Active uncontrolled infection or malignancy; systemic diseases affecting surgical outcome |
Primary outcome | To evaluate the safety of the NANOTEX BONE Graft in combination with fibula flap for bone augmentation |
Secondary outcomes | To evaluate the efficacy of the NANOTEX BONE Graft in combination with fibula flap to regenerate new bone in aiding Titanium dental implant placement and integration |
This study will be conducted in compliance with international ethical and scientific quality standards known as good clinical practice (GCP) and CDSCO Regulations. GCP includes review and approval by an independent IEC before initiating and documenting the patient informed consent of a subject before initiating the study. The study will be publicly registered at CTRI before first enrollment.
This trial was approved by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) on 17th May 2022 with Permission number: CI/MD/2022/000012The study is registered in the Clinical Trial Registry with the trial number: CTRI/2022/07/044291 (Registered on 25/07/2022) (Protocol Version 1.0 dated 16 August 2021).
This clinical trial was approved by the Institutional Review Board and Ethics Committee of Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences on June 15th, 2022 with the code IEC-AIMS.2O22.H&NS.157.
Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences, Kochi, Govt. of India.
This study received funding from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC), Govt. of India.
The authors have no competing interests to declare.
ASB and MBN prepared the initial draft of the manuscript. ASB, MBN, MV, and SI contributed to the concept and design of the study, data acquisition, critical revision of the manuscript, and final approval of the version to be submitted. MBN is the principal investigator of the BIRAC project, which funds the clinical trial. RR, PS and AK has contributions in manuscript preparation.
Iocca O, Farcomeni A, Di Rocco A, Di Maio P, Golusinski P, Pardiñas López S, Savo A, Pellini R, Spriano G. Locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck: A systematic review and Bayesian network meta-analysis of the currently available treatment options. Oral Oncol. 2018; 80: 40–51. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oraloncology.2018.03.001
Sung H, Ferlay J, Siegel RL, Laversanne M, Soerjomataram I, Jemal A, Bray F. Global Cancer Statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN Estimates of Incidence and Mortality Worldwide for 36 Cancers in 185 Countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2021; 71(3): 209–249. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21660
Chouhan Z, Kishore S, Maheshwari S, Tomar PS. Oral Cancer: An Indian scenario. GHAR. 2018; 1: 40–1.
Siegel RL, Miller KD, Jemal A. Cancer statistics, 2018. CA Cancer J Clin. 2018; 68(1): 7–30. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3322/caac.21442
Global frequency of benign and malignant odontogenic tumors according to the 2005 WHO. J. Oral Diag; 2017.
Gurung US, Singh G, Mishra M, Mondal S, Gaur A. Maxillofacial Injuries Related to Road Traffic Accidents: A Five Year Multi Center Analysis. Craniomaxillofacial Trauma & Reconstruction Open; January 2019. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0039-1694708
Kumar BP, Venkatesh V, Kumar KA, Yadav BY, Mohan SR. Mandibular Reconstruction: Overview. J MaxillofacOralSurg. 2016; 15(4): 425–441. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12663-015-0766-5
Kokosis G, Schmitz R, Powers DB, Erdmann D. Mandibular Reconstruction Using the Free Vascularized Fibula Graft: An Overview of Different Modifications. Arch Plast Surg. 2016; 43(1): 3–9. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5999/aps.2016.43.1.3
Navarro Cuéllar C, Ochandiano Caicoya S, Navarro Cuéllar I, Valladares Pérez S, Fariña Sirandoni R, Antúnez-Conde R, Díez Montiel A, Sánchez Pérez A, López López AM, Navarro Vila C, Salmerón Escobar JI. Vertical Ridge Augmentation of Fibula Flap in Mandibular Reconstruction: A Comparison between Vertical Distraction, Double-Barrel Flap and Iliac Crest Graft. J Clin Med. 2020; 10(1): 101. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm10010101
Nguyen TTH, Eo MY, Kuk TS, Myoung H, Kim SM. Rehabilitation of atrophic jaw using iliac onlay bone graft combined with dental implants. Int J Implant Dent. 2019; 5(1): 11. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40729-019-0163-9
Medtronic, NANOSTIM. https://www.medtronic.com/us-en/healthcare-professionals/therapies/procedures/spinal-orthopaedic/bone-grafting/education-training/bone-graft-categorization.html.
Kamboj M, Arora R, Gupta H. Comparative evaluation of the efficacy of synthetic nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite bone graft (Ostim®) and synthetic microcrystalline hydroxyapatite bone graft (Osteogen®) in the treatment of human periodontal intrabony defects: A clinical and dental scan study. J Indian Soc Periodontol. 2016; 20(4): 423–428. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4103/0972-124X.184036
Suralign, NanOss Bioactive 3D. https://www.surgalign.com/product/nanoss-3d-plus-advanced-bone-graft-substitute/.
Anitha A, Joseph J, Menon D, Nair SV, Nair MB. Electrospun Yarn Reinforced NanoHA Composite Matrix as a Potential Bone Substitute for Enhanced Regeneration of Segmental Defects. Tissue Eng Part A. 2017; 23(7–8): 345–358. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1089/ten.tea.2016.0337
Anitha A, Menon D, T B S, Koyakutty M, Mohan CC, Nair SV, Nair MB. Bioinspired Composite Matrix Containing Hydroxyapatite-Silica Core-Shell Nanorods for Bone Tissue Engineering. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2017; 9(32): 26707–26718. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.7b07131
Manju V, Anitha A, Menon D, Iyer S, Nair SV, Nair MB. Nanofibrous yarn reinforced HAgelatin composite scaffolds promote bone formation in critical-sized alveolar defects in rabbit model. Biomed Mater. 2018; 13(6): 065011. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-605X/aadf99
Unnikrishnana PS, Iyer S, Manju VV, Reshmi CR, Menon D, Nair SV, Nair MB*. Nanocomposite fibrous scaffold mediated mandible reconstruction and dental rehabilitation: An experimental study in pig model. Materials Science and Engineering: C; 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msec.2021.112631
Manju V, Iyer S, Menon D, Nair SV, Nair MB. Evaluation of osseointegration of staged or simultaneously placed dental implants with nanocomposite fibrous scaffolds in rabbit mandibular defect. Materials Science and Engineering: C. 2019; 104: 109864. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msec.2019.109864