[Radiation of parotid glands for salivary flow reduction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis]

Radiation of the parotid and submandibular glands was performed in 18 patients with pronounced hypersalivation at a late stage of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Single bilateral radiation of the parotid and posterior submandibular glands was made in the dosage of 7.0-7.5 Gy. Salivation volume was measured before and after the radiation therapy. Sixteen patients exhibited satisfactory and marked salivary flow reduction during 4-6 months. Xerostomia developed in 1 patient who needed assignment of artificial salivary substitute and 1 patient did not respond to the therapy. The patient's caregivers reported a positive effect in all the cases. Tolerance of the therapy was good except rare side effects. Radiation of the parotid glands significantly reduced salivary flow in ALS, especially in patients receiving an adequate amount of water.