title: [Saliva and intensity modulated radiotherapy].
abstract: A dry mouth (xerostomia) is a serious side effect for head and neck cancer patients treated with radiotherapy. The degree of xerostomia is dependent on the dosage in the parotid glands. New, advanced radiation techniques, such as intensity-modulated radiotherapy, can reduce the dosage in the parotid glands, resulting in a significant improvement in the functioning of these glands by comparison with conventional radiation techniques.
authors.affiliation: Afdeling Radiotherapie van het Universitair Medisch Centrum Utrecht. J.M.Roesink@umcutrecht.nl
authors.forename: J M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Roesink
authors.forename: C H J
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Terhaard
authors.forename: C P J
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Raaijmakers
mesh_terms: D004307:Dose-Response Relationship, Radiation; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D010306:Parotid Gland / Q000528:radiation effects*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012463:Saliva / Q000378:metabolism*; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control