title: Radiation-induced xerostomia: pathophysiology, prevention and treatment.
abstract: Radiation-induced xerostomia is highly prevalent among patients treated for head and neck cancers. Consequently, survivors experience associated long-term toxicities that may be grouped as xerostomia syndrome: dry mouth, sore throat, altered taste, dental decay, changes in voice quality and impaired chewing and swallowing function. We present a review of published studies describing and reporting xerostomia and discuss advances made in the prevention and treatment of this common toxicity.
authors.affiliation: Head and Neck Unit, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust and Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK. sabhide@yahoo.com
authors.forename: S A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Bhide
authors.forename: A B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Miah
authors.forename: K J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Harrington
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Newbold
authors.forename: C M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Nutting
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D011832:Radiation Injuries / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*; D011878:Radiotherapy / Q000379:methods; D014987:Xerostomia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000628:therapy*