The First Prognostic Tool to Estimate the Risk of Late Grade ≥3 Xerostomia in Patients Irradiated for Head-and-Neck...

Xerostomia is a serious complication following radiotherapy of head-and-neck cancers. A prognostic tool was developed for estimating its risk.

In our previous study, age, tumor site, bilateral lymph node involvement, definitive radiotherapy, and addition of systemic therapies showed significant associations with grade ≥3 late xerostomia or trends. In additional analyses, mean radiation dose to ipsilateral parotid gland was significant (p=0.011). These six factors were included in the prognostic tool. Scoring points of 0 (lower risk) or 1 (higher risk) were assigned to each factor and added for each patient.

Patient scores ranged between 0 and 6; Grade ≥3 xerostomia rates were 0%, 8%, 24%, 26%, 25%, 42%, and 100%, respectively. Three groups were designed (0-1, 2-4, and 5-6 points) with grade ≥3 xerostomia rates of 5%, 25%, and 50%, respectively (p<0.001).

This new tool helps estimating the risk of radiation-induced grade ≥3 xerostomia. It can support physicians and other medical staff members during treatment planning.