Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 24, 2025

Retroductal Submandibular Gland Instillation and Localized Fractionated Irradiation in a Rat Model of Salivary Hypofunction
Published on: April 24, 2016
Sticky stuff: xerostomia in patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy-prevalence, prevention, and palliative
James William Snider1, Charles Christian Paine2
1Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, UAB Proton Center, Birmingham, AL, USA. jwsnider@uabmc.edu.
Abstract:
Xerostomia remains one of the most common and impactful side effects associated with radiotherapy for head and neck malignancies. With improvements in oncologic therapy and an improved prognosis for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) overall, the long-standing effects of therapy have become even more significant. Recent efforts have primarily focused on prevention of this morbidity through technological advances, reductions in radiotherapy fields, and radioprotectants. The promises of de-intensified strategies and proton radiation warrant ongoing investigation. However, palliative care for and active management of xerostomia before, during, and after treatment deserve further attention and research to define optimal approaches.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Peptic Ulcer Disease IV: Management
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...
Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting: 5-HT3 Receptor Antagonists
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
Cancer Therapies
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...
Enteral Nutrition II: Nasointestinal and Gastrostomy Feeding
Nasointestinal Feeding
Nasointestinal feeding involves placing a tube...
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...

