Long-term effect of submandibular salivary gland transfer on radiation-induced xerostomia in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Abstract

Objective:To investigate the long-term effect of submandibular salivary gland transfer on xerostomia induced by radiation in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC).Methods:A total of 70 eligible patients with NPC were divided into the test group(36 cases)and the control group(34 cases).In the test group,the submandibular salivary glands were transferred to the submental space before conventional radiotherapy (XRT)and shielded during XRT.Submandibular gland function and salivary fluid before and after radiotherapy, questionnaire of xerostomia at 60 months after XRT,and 5-year survival rate were compared between the two groups.Results:At 5 years after XRT,the trapping and excretion function of submandibular glands were significantly better in the test group(P=0.000 and P=0.000,respectively).The mean weight of saliva after XRT was greater in the test group than in the control group(1.65gvs.0.73g,P=0.000).Incidence of moderate to severe degree of xerostomia was significantly lower in the test group than in the control group (12.9%vs.78.6%,P=0.000).No significant difference was found in 5 year survival rate between the two groups(86.1%vs.82.4%,P0.05).Conclusion:Submandibular gland transfer procedure is safe for NPC patients. It can prevent XRT induced xerostomia and improve the quality of life of NPC patients.