Combination of submandibular salivary gland transfer and intensity‐modulated radiotherapy to reduce dryness of mouth (xerostomia) in patients with head and neck cancer. Issue 11 (3rd September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Scrimger, Rufus A; Seikaly, Hadi; Vos, Larissa J.; Harris, Jeffrey; O'Connell, Dan; Ghosh, Sunita; Debenham, Brock; Jha, Naresh
• Is Part Of: Head & neck. Volume 40:Issue 11(2018)
• Page Start: 2353
• Page End: 2361
• Publication Date: 2018-09-03
• Subjects: head and neck cancer -- radiotherapy -- submandibular gland transfer -- toxicity -- xerostomia; Head -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Neck -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Head -- Periodicals; Neck -- Periodicals; Face -- Periodicals; 617.51059
• DOI: 10.1002/hed.25339
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-3074

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Xerostomia is a debilitating side effect of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Combining surgical submandibular‐gland transfer (SMGT) with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) may provide greater protection of salivary function. Methods: This was a single‐institution, prospective phase II feasibility trial. Patients with head and neck cancer or unknown primary with neck node metastases received primary surgery with SMGT and postoperative radiotherapy with tomotherapy (60 Gy in 30 fractions). Toxicity and quality of life (QOL) were assessed before surgery, before RT, and after RT. Results: Forty patients received SMGT and IMRT. Only 1 patient experienced grade 3 salivary gland toxicity. At 12 months post‐RT, the rate of absent or only mild xerostomia was 89%, and salivary flow rates were approximately 75% of pre‐RT levels. Conclusions: The combination of IMRT with SMGT is feasible and with improved dose constraints may maximally spare the parotid and submandibular glands, leading to decreased xerostomia and improved patient QOL.