IMRT for head and neck cancer: reducing xerostomia and dysphagia

• Published in: Journal of radiation research Vol. 57; no. S1; pp. i69 - i75
• Main Authors: Wang, XiaoShen, Eisbruch, Avraham
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England The Japanese Radiation Research Society 01.08.2016; Oxford University Press
• Subjects: Cancer; Damage; Deglutition Disorders - etiology; Head and Neck Neoplasms - radiotherapy; Humans; Organ Specificity - radiation effects; Organs; Radiation dosage; Radiation therapy; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated - adverse effects; Salivary glands; Supplement – ICRR highlights; Xerostomia - etiology

Dysphagia and xerostomia are the main sequellae of chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer, and the main factors in reducing long-term patient quality of life. IMRT uses advanced technology to focus the high radiation doses on the targets and avoid irradiation of non-involved tissues. The decisio...