Role of irradiation in the suppression of parotid secretions

Abstract

Suppression of salivary flow is of value in the management of salivary fistulae and sialectasia. It may also be beneficial in mentally defective patients and those with neurological palsies lacking control of their salivation. Nine patients were treated by irradiation to the parotid gland to control salivary flow; eight had complete resolution of symptoms and one had partial relief. Irradiation was effective as primary treatment and after failed surgery and/or drug treatment. Low doses were effective and there were no significant acute or long-term side effects. Its use avoids long-term medication and their potential side effects and may reduce the need for surgery.

Practice parameter: The care of the patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (An evidence-based review)

“…25 Two additional approaches may be considered when medical treatments fail. External beam irradiation (3 to 30 Gy, 3 to 10 fractions) to a single parotid gland may be effective in reducing sialorrhea, 26 but it has not been evaluated in ALS. Surgical intervention has been tried in patients with ALS.…”

Unilateral parotid electron beam radiotherapy as palliative treatment for sialorrhea in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

“…However in a retrospective case series of sialorrhea from various causes, including two with motor neuron disease, Borg et al concluded that the response rates in reducing saliva production was superior for patients treated with electron radiation N7 MeV, compared to those treated with conventional photon X-irradiation [13]. Previous small series reported suppression of sialorrhea with unilateral [14] or bilateral [15] parotid electron beam irradiation. Electrons allow for a more precise targeting of the superficial parotid glands [13,16], thereby reducing radiation exposure of the oral mucosa, mouth, and teeth.…”

Problèmes respiratoires chez les patients atteints de sclérose latérale amyotrophique: options thérapeutiques

“…Chez des patients non atteints de SLA mais souffrant de sialorrhée médicamenteuse rebelle, on a pratiqué avec succès l'irradiation unilatérale de la parotide (3-30 Gray en 3-10 fractions [25]). L'injection de toxine botulinique dans les glandes salivaires peut réduire efficacement la production de salive pour une durée s'étendant jusqu'à 6 mois [26][27][28].…”