[Saliva and intensity modulated radiotherapy]. / Speeksel en intensiteitsgemoduleerde radiotherapie.

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.