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01-03-2013 | Original article

Xerostomia after radiotherapy

What matters—mean total dose or dose to each parotid gland?

Authors: S. Tribius, M.D., J. Sommer, C. Prosch, A. Bajrovic, A. Muenscher, M. Blessmann, A. Kruell, C. Petersen, M. Todorovic, P. Tennstedt

Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie | Issue 3/2013

Abstract

Purpose

Xerostomia is a debilitating side effect of radiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer. We undertook a prospective study of the effect on xerostomia and outcomes of sparing one or both parotid glands during radiotherapy for patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck.

Methods and materials

Patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck received definitive (70 Gy in 2 Gy fractions) or adjuvant (60–66 Gy in 2 Gy fractions) curative-intent radiotherapy using helical tomotherapy with concurrent chemotherapy if appropriate. Group A received < 26 Gy to the left and right parotids and group B received < 26 Gy to either parotid.

Results

The study included 126 patients; 114 (55 in group A and 59 in group B) had follow-up data. There were no statistically significant differences between groups in disease stage. Xerostomia was significantly reduced in group A vs. group B (p = 0.0381). Patients in group A also had significantly less dysphagia. Relapse-free and overall survival were not compromised in group A: 2-year relapse-free survival was 86% vs. 72% in group B (p = 0.361); 2-year overall survival was 88% and 76%, respectively (p = 0.251).

Conclusion

This analysis suggests that reducing radiotherapy doses to both parotid glands to < 26 Gy can reduce xerostomia and dysphagia significantly without compromising survival. Sparing both parotids while maintaining target volume coverage and clinical outcome should be the treatment goal and reporting radiotherapy doses delivered to the individual parotids should be standard practice.

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Title: Xerostomia after radiotherapy
What matters—mean total dose or dose to each parotid gland?
Authors: S. Tribius, M.D.
J. Sommer
C. Prosch
A. Bajrovic
A. Muenscher
M. Blessmann
A. Kruell
C. Petersen
M. Todorovic
P. Tennstedt
Publication date: 01-03-2013
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Strahlentherapie und Onkologie / Issue 3/2013
Print ISSN: 0179-7158
Electronic ISSN: 1439-099X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00066-012-0257-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Xerostomia after radiotherapy

What matters—mean total dose or dose to each parotid gland?

Abstract

Purpose

Methods and materials

Results

Conclusion

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Purpose

Methods and materials

Results

Conclusion

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