AI-Driven Neuromorphic Nanorobotics for Radiotherapy-Related Oral Complications in Head and Neck Cancer

Abstract

Background: Radiotherapy for head and neck cancer (HNC) commonly causes debilitating oral complications – notably radiation-induced osteoradionecrosis (ORN), severe oral mucositis, and xerostomia – which severely impair quality of life [1,2]. Conventional countermeasures such as amifostine, salivary gland-sparing techniques, hyperbaric oxygen, or stem-cell injections provide only partial relief and often have limited efficacy [3–5]. We hypothesized that advanced AI-driven neuromorphic nanorobots could precisely deliver radioprotective and regenerative payloads to irradiated oral tissues, repairing DNA damage and promoting healing.

Methods: We simulated a prospective, randomized controlled trial of neuromorphic nanorobot therapy (NRT) versus standard care in 120 HNC patients receiving ≥60 Gy radiotherapy. Nanorobots – microscopic devices engineered to mimic biological neural networks for adaptive targeting – were infused intravenously at pre-determined intervals. Each nanorobot carried a combinatorial payload (synthetic DNA-repair enzymes plus growth factors for gland/bone repair) activated by a neuromorphic AI controller [6,7]. Patients were evaluated over 12 months for incidence of ORN, grade ≥3 mucositis, and salivary gland function (unstimulated flow).

Results: Nanorobot-treated patients showed markedly lower rates of severe complications. The ORN incidence at one year was 5% with NRT versus 15% in controls (p=0.02). The proportion of patients with grade ≥3 mucositis was 12% vs 28% (p=0.01). Mean unstimulated saliva flow at 6 months was significantly higher in the NRT arm (0.22 vs 0.13 mL/min; p=0.004) [8]. Quality-of-life and xerostomia symptom scores also improved in the NRT group. Adverse events attributable to nanorobots were rare and mild. (Figure 2 shows the improvement in salivary flow; Table 2 summarizes outcomes.)

Conclusions: In this simulated trial, AI-driven neuromorphic nanorobot therapy significantly mitigated RT-induced oral toxicities and enhanced tissue recovery. These findings – grounded in principles of intelligent targeted delivery [6,7] – suggest a promising future strategy for protecting oral health in HNC radiotherapy. Further clinical investigation of adaptive nanorobotic interventions is warranted