Xerostomia and salivary gland dysfunction in oncology patients – characteristics and management methods

Kamila Jałocha; Piotr R. Bakuła; Monika Lis; Monika Rudzińska; Tomasz Dzierżanowski

doi:10.5114/pm.2025.154137

eISSN: 2081-2833
ISSN: 2081-0016

Medycyna Paliatywna/Palliative Medicine

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3/2025
vol. 17

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abstract:

Review paper

Xerostomia and salivary gland dysfunction in oncology patients – characteristics and management methods

Kamila Jałocha

¹

,

Piotr R. Bakuła

¹

,

Monika Lis

¹

,

Monika Rudzińska

¹

,

Tomasz Dzierżanowski

^{1, 2}

Klinika Medycyny Paliatywnej, Warszawski Uniwersytet Medyczny, Warszawa, Polska
Caritas Diecezji Warszawsko-Praskiej, Warszawa, Polska

Medycyna Paliatywna 2025; 17(3): 146–158

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5114/pm.2025.154137

Online publish date: 2025/09/11

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Xerostomia, defined as sensation of dry mouth, is one of the most common complications of oncological treatment for head and neck cancers. Its’ prevalence increases with age and intensity of anticancer therapies. It significantly reduces patients’ quality of life affecting not only daily comfort but also oral health and overall nutritional status. This literature review presents the pathophysiological mechanisms, diagnostic methods and current therapeutic strategies for xerostomia – both pharmacological and non-pharmacological with an emphasis on techniques, such as photobiomodulation (PBM), acupuncture, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT). It also highlights the importance of preventive measures and the need for individualizing treatment adjusted to the patients’ needs and abilities.

keywords:

Xerostomia and salivary gland dysfunction in oncology patients – characteristics and management methods

Kamila Jałocha 1 , Piotr R. Bakuła 1 , Monika Lis 1 , Monika Rudzińska 1 , Tomasz Dzierżanowski 1, 2

quality of life, radiotherapy, xerostomia, head and neck neoplasms, salivary gland diseases

Kamila Jałocha

¹

,

Piotr R. Bakuła

¹

,

Monika Lis

¹

,

Monika Rudzińska

¹

,

Tomasz Dzierżanowski

^{1, 2}