Work

Can superficial parotid sparing alone impact xerostomia in head and neck cancer? A retrospective study correlating the type of tobacco use, chronic xerostomia, and parotid sparing

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Head and neck cancer is one of the most common cancers in India, with tobacco chewing being the predominant form of tobacco consumption. We aimed to assess the impact of superficial gland sparing on xerostomia. Materials and methods: Patients with histopathological diagnosis of head and neck cancer treated with curative intent radiotherapy with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) to a dose of 60-70 Gy in 30-35 fractions with or without chemotherapy from June 2017 to March 2020 were included in the study. The superficial and deep lobes of the parotid were contoured retrospectively. The physician-reported Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) xerostomia toxicity grades at two years were retrieved from records. Results: . 14 cc, p < 0.001) as compared to smokers. Bilateral or contralateral parotid sparing (mean dose < 26 Gy) was achieved in 62.7%, bilateral or contralateral superficial lobe in 27.6% and no sparing in 9.8% of patients. The xerostomia was similar in smokers and chewers (p = 0.95). Patients with bilateral or contralateral superficial lobe sparing had lower grade II/III xerostomia rates than the no-sparing group (p = 0.038). Conclusions: Tobacco chewers have smaller volumes of salivary glands. Contralateral or bilateral superficial parotid sparing translated into better xerostomia scores at two years.

Source: Reports of Practical Oncology & Radiotherapy

DOI: 10.5603/rpor.108673