Core

Seminar 1

Speaker

Professor Shara Lee

Topic

The Forgotten Field: How Dentistry Can Shape Oral Health in Radiotherapy

Abstract

Oral mucositis remains one of the most debilitating, yet under-addressed, complications of head and neck cancer treatment, and dentists are often best placed to intervene before it develops. This talk introduces photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), a noninvasive light-based modality that stimulates mitochondrial activity, reduces inflammation, and enhances tissue repair, as a promising tool for managing radiotherapy-induced oral and skin toxicities. Drawing on a prospective, randomised, double-blinded, sham-controlled trial (n=66) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy, this talk presents clinical evidence for PBMT's benefits: patients receiving PBMT experienced significantly less weight loss and reported significantly less bother from dysphagia, alongside a trend toward lower incidence of severe oral mucositis and radiation dermatitis in the later, most toxic stages of treatment. These findings highlight PBMT as a practical, well-tolerated addition to supportive oncology care. For dentistry, this opens a clear clinical pathway, from prophylactic protocols to active management of mucositis and other oral sequelae. Its anti-inflammatory and tissue repair properties also point to broader dental applications, such as managing denture or orthodontic-related mucosal trauma, positioning PBMT as a versatile addition to the dental toolkit still unclaimed by any single specialty.

Biography

Professor Shara Lee is an associate professor and leader of the undergraduate radiation therapy programme at the Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. A radiation therapist by training, with a PhD and a Master's in Cardiology, her research spans clinical oncology, education innovation, and health technology, with photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) for radiotherapy-induced toxicities as one key focus. Her recent work includes a randomised controlled trial of PBMT in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy. She has secured over HK$20 million in competitive research and teaching grants as a principal investigator or co-investigator from the Health and Medical Research Fund, the RGC General Research Fund, and the University Grants Council.

Core

Seminar 2

Speaker

Professor Andrew Nalley

Topic

Imaging Evaluation of the Temporomandibular Joint: Anatomy, Pathology, and the Effects of Radiation Therapy

Abstract

The Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is a complex structure that requires imaging as part of a comprehensive evaluation. This presentation reviews normal TMJ anatomy as demonstrated on panoramic radiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), emphasizing the advantages and limitations of each modality. Common disorders, such as degenerative joint disease, will be discussed with attention to key imaging findings. The presentation will then focus on the effects of radiation therapy on TMJ structures and the surrounding muscles of mastication, highlighting imaging manifestations of treatment-related injury, osseous changes, and trismus development. By integrating foundational anatomy, pathology, and post-treatment imaging findings, this presentation aims to provide a practical framework for evaluating TMJ abnormalities in both routine and oncologic patient populations.

Biography

Professor Andrew Nalley is originally from Houston, Texas. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston in 2012. After dental school, he joined a private practice in general dentistry where he worked from 2012 – 2017. During this time, the office had a Cone Beam CT unit, and he developed a growing interest in the field of radiology. In 2017, he moved to Seattle to complete a residency training program in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology at University of Washington. After the residency program, he stayed at University of Washington as a Clinical Assistant Professor. In June 2024, he moved to Hong Kong to accept an appointment as an Oral Radiologist at HKU’s Faculty of Dentistry. Professor Nalley is a Diplomate of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology. His research involvement has included imaging findings related to TMD, optical navigation in Ultrasound imaging, and AI applications in Oral Radiology. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, hiking and photography.