The Influence on the Xerostomia after IMRT in Nasopharyngeal Cancer

Objective To observe the influence of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) on the xerostomia in patients with nasophargeal cancer. Methods 82 patients with primary nasopharyngeal cancer were divided into two groups: IMRT group (43 cases) treated with IMRT (GTVnx 70 Gy/28 fx) and conventional radiotheraphy group (39 cases) treated with conventional radiotheraphy (GTVnx 70 Gy/35 fx) to the tumor regions. The level of mouth dryness and the parotid function were compared before treatment, after treatment and 3 months after treatment. Results According to the xerostomia symptom, there were 7 cases of grade 3 in IMRT group, 22 cases of grade 3 in conventional radiotherapy group. The result had significant difference (P0.001). After 3 months of follow up, the xerostomia improved in IMRT group however not in another group. There was significant difference in EI after radiotherapy (P0.001) but no significance in every time (P0.05). Conclusions Using intensity-modulated radiotherapy to treat the patient with nasopharyngeal cancer can secure the high dose in tumor regions, protecet the parotid function evidently and reduce the xerostomia, which can improve the life quality of patients.