How should we measure and report radiotherapy-induced xerostomia?
Xerostomia is commonly measured and graded using objective measures of major salivary gland output and observer-rated toxicity grading. The separation between the different grades is somewhat ambiguous in the current toxicity grading systems. We propose a new grading system based primarily on the functional deficits associated with xerostomia. Salivary flow rates have been added as a criterion to the grading system, notwithstanding the weak correlation reported in most studies between the symptoms and objective functional measures. In addition to the observer-rated toxicity grading, recording of patient-reported quality of life, using validated instruments, is encouraged.
Eisbruch
Avraham
A
Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Michigan Hospital, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA. eisbruch@umich.edu
Rhodus
Nelson
N
Rosenthal
David
D
Murphy
Barbara
B
Rasch
Coen
C
Sonis
Stephen
S
Scarantino
Charles
C
Brizel
David
D
D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology*; D011877:Radionuclide Imaging; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology