Effectiveness of head and neck post-radiotherapy xerostomy treatments: an integrative literature review

Abstract

Head and neck cancer was the second highest incidence of cancer in men in 2019. Radiotherapy may be the therapy of choice and the participation of dentist in all stages of treatment is essential for the prevention, control and management of complications. One of the side effects of radiotherapy is xerostomia, which is characterized by the perception of a reduction in the amount of saliva. The patient may relate difficulties in feeding, speaking, sleeping and using prostheses. Due to the imposed limitations, this study aims to research the effectiveness of existing xerostomia treatments for cancer patients after radiotherapy in the head and neck region. Four clinical trials from 2017 to 2020 were used. The treatments studied involved: transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, oral gels, acupuncture and autologous cell transplantation. The works obtained a positive response, with the exception of the last one, which is yet to be carried out. More studies are needed for further generalizations.