@Article{Jałocha2025,
journal="Medycyna Paliatywna/Palliative Medicine",
issn="2081-0016",
volume="17",
number="3",
year="2025",
title="Xerostomia and salivary gland dysfunction in oncology patients – characteristics and management methods",
abstract="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.",
author="Jałocha, Kamila
and Bakuła, Piotr R.
and Lis, Monika
and Rudzińska, Monika
and Dzierżanowski, Tomasz",
pages="146--158",
doi="10.5114/pm.2025.154137",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.5114/pm.2025.154137"
}