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Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Retroductal Submandibular Gland Instillation and Localized Fractionated Irradiation in a Rat Model of Salivary Hypofunction

Retroductal Submandibular Gland Instillation and Localized Fractionated Irradiation in a Rat Model of Salivary Hypofunction

Published on: April 24, 2016

Radiotherapy dose-volume effects on salivary gland function.

Joseph O Deasy¹, Vitali Moiseenko, Lawrence Marks

¹Department of Radiation Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA. jdeasy@radonc.wustl.edu

International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics

|February 23, 2010

Summary

To minimize radiotherapy-induced xerostomia, limit mean parotid gland radiation dose. Sparing at least one gland to <20 Gy or both to <25 Gy aids salivary function preservation.

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Murine Salivary Functional Assessment via Pilocarpine Stimulation Following Fractionated Radiation

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Published on: May 4, 2018

Area of Science:

Radiation Oncology
Head and Neck Cancer Treatment
Salivary Gland Function

Background:

Radiotherapy for head and neck cancers can cause salivary toxicity, impacting patient quality of life.
Late salivary dysfunction is a common side effect, often linked to parotid gland radiation dose.
Understanding dose-volume effects is crucial for mitigating xerostomia.

Purpose of the Study:

To review publications correlating parotid dose-volume characteristics with radiotherapy-induced salivary toxicity.
To establish dose constraints for parotid glands to minimize xerostomia risk.
To evaluate the role of submandibular gland sparing in preventing salivary dysfunction.

Main Methods:

Systematic review of published literature on parotid dose-volume parameters and salivary toxicity.
Analysis of dose-response relationships for late salivary dysfunction and xerostomia.
Evaluation of dose thresholds for sparing one or both parotid glands.

Main Results:

Late salivary dysfunction correlates with mean parotid gland dose, with potential for recovery.
Severe xerostomia can be avoided if at least one parotid gland receives <20 Gy (mean dose) or both <25 Gy (mean dose).
Lower mean parotid gland doses and submandibular gland sparing significantly reduce xerostomia risk.

Conclusions:

Maintaining low mean parotid gland doses, especially in complex RT techniques like IMRT, is essential for preserving salivary function.
Sparing submandibular glands further decreases the incidence of xerostomia.
Current predictive models for xerostomia are imprecise, necessitating further research for improved accuracy.