Salivary gland transfer to prevent radiation-induced xerostomia: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Amit J. Sood, Nyssa F. Fox, Brendan P. O'Connell, Tiffany L. Lovelace, Shaun A. Nguyen, Anand K. Sharma, Joshua D. Hornig, Terry A. Day

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

39 Scopus citations

Abstract

Salivary gland transfer (SGT) has the potential to prevent radiation-induced xerostomia. We attempt to analyze the efficacy of SGT in prevention of xerostomia and maintenance of salivary flow rates after radiation treatment (XRT). Systematic review and meta-analysis. Primary endpoint was efficacy of SGT in prevention of radiation-induced xerostomia. Secondary endpoint was change from baseline of unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates after XRT. Seven articles, accruing data from 12 institutions, met inclusion criteria. In a total of 177 patients at mean follow-up of 22.7 months, SGT prevented radiation-induced xerostomia in 82.7% (95% CI, 76.6-87.7%) of patients. Twelve months after XRT, unstimulated and stimulated salivary flow rates rose to 88% and 76% of baseline values, respectively. In comparison to control subjects twelve months after XRT, SGT subjects' unstimulated (75% vs. 11%) and stimulated (86% vs. 8%) salivary flow rates were drastically higher in SGT patients. Salivary gland transfer appears to be highly effective in preventing the incidence of xerostomia in patients receiving definitive head and neck radiation therapy.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)77-83
Number of pages7
JournalOral Oncology
Volume50
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2014

Keywords

  • Head and neck cancer
  • Radiation-induced xerostomia
  • Radiotherapy
  • Salivary gland transfer
  • Xerostomia

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Salivary gland transfer to prevent radiation-induced xerostomia: A systematic review and meta-analysis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this