IntroductionCancer of the head and neck is one of the most common cancers in India. Radiotherapy (RT) plays a vital role in the management of head and neck cancer both as a curative and adjuvant modality. Xerostomia is the most common acute and late toxicity. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze radiation-induced xerostomia and the quality of life of patients treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and threedimensional (3D) conformal radiotherapy (3DCRT).
ObjectivesWe aim to evaluate radiation-induced acute xerostomia both subjectively and objectively at threemonth and one-year post-radiotherapy follow-up period in patients who received radiotherapy in conformal technique (IMRT) to the head and neck region and compare it with those who received the 3DCRT technique. We also aim to assess the recovery of salivary flow in the third month post-radiotherapy by measuring the parotid scintigraphy excretion fraction.
Materials and methodsForty patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) were randomly assigned to the IMRT and 3DCRT arms. Xerostomia during radiation and at three-month and one-year post-radiotherapy follow-up was assessed subjectively using the xerostomia-related quality of life (XeQOL) questionnaire and objectively by measuring the salivary flow rate and parotid scintigraphy.
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