Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
07:44
Retroductal Submandibular Gland Instillation and Localized Fractionated Irradiation in a Rat Model of Salivary Hypofunction
Published on: April 24, 2016
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy and xerostomia
Mark S Chambers1, Randal S Weber, Adam S Garden
1Department of Head and Neck Surgery, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA.
Journal of the California Dental Association
|October 7, 2006
Summary
Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) can reduce xerostomia by sparing salivary glands. Keeping the mean parotid gland dose below 26-30 Gy preserves function without compromising disease treatment.
Area of Science:
- Radiation Oncology
- Head and Neck Cancer Treatment
Background:
- Xerostomia (dry mouth) is a common side effect of radiation therapy.
- Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) offers potential for salivary gland dose reduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of IMRT in minimizing salivary gland dose.
- To determine the feasibility of preserving parotid gland function through dose constraints.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing conformal radiation with IMRT techniques.
- Emphasizing precise target determination and delineation for salivary gland sparing.
- Adhering to specific mean parotid gland dose limits (< 26-30 Gy).
Main Results:
- IMRT can minimize radiation dose to salivary glands.
- Reduced salivary gland dose is associated with decreased incidence of xerostomia.
- Parotid gland function preservation is achievable with dose limits if disease treatment is not compromised.
Conclusions:
- Salivary gland-sparing IMRT is a viable strategy to reduce xerostomia.
- Precise planning is crucial for successful implementation of these techniques.
- Maintaining mean parotid gland dose below 26-30 Gy supports functional preservation.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists
5-HT3 receptor antagonists, such as dolasetron, granisetron (Kytril), ondansetron (Zofran), and palonosetron (Axoli), are crucial in managing chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) and postoperative nausea. These drugs selectively block 5-HT3 receptors in the visceral vagal and spinal afferent nerves, chemoreceptor trigger zone, and the vomiting center. They have a rapid onset of action and can be given as a single dose before chemotherapy. Ondansetron and granisetron, in particular,...
01:28Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Neurokinin-1 Receptor Antagonists
Neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptors are distributed across the GI tract, vagal afferents, and key CNS regions including the central vomiting center and chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) Chemotherapy agents stimulate enterochromaffin cells in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract to release large amounts of substance P (SP). SP is a neuropeptide released by specific sensory nerves in response to many different stressors, including those in the GI mucosa affected by chemotherapy. SP binds and activates these...
02:49Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
02:49Cancer Therapies
Cancer therapies are various modes of treatment, such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy that are administered to cancer patients.
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
However, cancer treatments can pose several challenges, as therapies used to kill cancer cells are generally also toxic to normal cells. Moreover, cancer cells mutate rapidly and can develop resistance to chemical agents or radiation therapy. Besides, all types of cancer cells may not respond to the same therapy. Some cancer cells respond to one...
01:21Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: Cannabinoids
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a phytocannabinoid that primarily interacts with the CB1 receptor, a type of G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) predominantly in and around the chemoreceptor trigger zone (CTZ) and emetic center. THC also blocks the serotonin receptor activity in the dorsal vagal complex (DVC) by inhibiting serotonin release. THC exerts its anti-emetic effects through these interactions, which are beneficial for patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
Two synthetic agonists of THC,...
01:26Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management
Medical treatment strategies for peptic ulcers encompass various methods. The primary goal of treatment is to diminish gastric acidity and strengthen mucosal defense mechanisms.
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current medication...
The therapeutic approach involves ensuring adequate rest, implementing drug therapy, promoting smoking cessation, making dietary modifications, and emphasizing long-term follow-up care.
Pharmacological management
The prevailing therapy for peptic ulcers involves a combination of managing the patient's current medication...