The role of radiation therapy in the management of sialorrhea

摘要: Abstract Purpose: Sialorrhea is the unintentional loss of saliva and other contents from mouth. Most patients with this condition are elderly, requiring palliative treatment. These have neuropathology associated poor performance status. Treatment prescribed for disabling distressing has often been a surgical nature described in young patients. It would be inapplicable to elderly. The aim study was review role radiation therapy management sialorrhea. Previous reports few number cautionary because adverse effects which described, including dryness Methods Materials: A total 34 were referred Department Radiation Oncology, Palmerston North Hospital, between 1966 August 1994, whom only 1 patient received treatment prior 1985. Three declined were, therefore, excluded review. Thirty-one patients, 14 males 17 females, median age 72 years or more treatments followed up 12 months, ranging 6 months 27 years. Results: Initially, 82% (28/34) satisfactory response. Six relapsed, five experienced relapse within initial Two re-treated, one achieved complete Up time 64% (23/36) maintained varied fractionation regimens used not shown affect response rate; low doses as effective higher doses, any significant acute late side effects. Only 4 developed long-term However, rates superior treated electrons, opposed orthovoltage therapy, particular when electron energies greater than 7 megavolts (76% vs. 38% response, p Conclusions: proven safe group thereby avoiding anticholinergic medication invasive procedures.