Preventing radiation induced xerostomia
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Updated: Aug 15, 2026

Retroductal Submandibular Gland Instillation and Localized Fractionated Irradiation in a Rat Model of Salivary Hypofunction
Published on: April 24, 2016
Michael I Koukourakis1, Vassilios Danielidis
1Department of Radiotherapy - Oncology, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Tumour & Angiogenesis Research Group, P.O. Box 12, Alexandroupolis 68100, Greece. targ@her.forthnet.gr
Abstract:
Radiation induced xerostomia is a frequent consequence of radiotherapy (RT) for head-neck cancer (HNC) patients, when parotid glands are included in the radiation fields. Although early appearing xerostomia may be alleviated with the use of pilocarpine, persistent chronic xerostomia affects more than 70% of HNC patients treated with post-operative or radical radiotherapy and significantly impairs the quality of life potentially cured patients. The present manuscript reviews and discusses the current technological (conformal and intensity modulated RT) and pharmacological (amifostine) developments aiming to prevent the severity and reduce incidence of both acute and late radiation xerostomia in patients with HNC.
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