Salivary function & quality of life after intensity-modulated radiotherapy

Objectives: To investigate the changes of salivary function and quality of life (QoL) for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated by intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). Methods: Fifty-seven patients with T1-2, N0-1, M0 NPC received IMRT. Parotid and whole saliva flows were measured, and the Medical Outcomes Short Form (SF-36), European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30 and EORTC QLQ-H&N35 questionnaires were completed at baseline and 2, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months after IMRT. Results: Parotid saliva flow recovered fully after 1 year and maintained. Whole saliva flow recovered partially to 40% of baseline. A general trend of deterioration in most QOL scales was observed after IMRT, followed by gradual recovery. Persistent oral-related symptoms were found 2 years after treatment. Conclusion: IMRT for early-stage NPC could partially preserve the whole salivary function as well as the QoL.11-->