Radiotherapy to the salivary glands as treatment of sialorrhea in patients with parkinsonism

This study investigated retrospectively the long‐term efficacy and safety of radiotherapy (RT) to the major salivary glands as treatment of sialorrhea in patients with parkinsonism. Twenty‐eight patients received a bilateral dose of 12 Gy to the parotid and part of the submandibular glands between 2001 and 2006. Severity of sialorrhea and adverse events were assessed at 1 and 6 months post‐RT and finally in the first quarter of 2007. Item 6 of the activities of daily living‐section of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale was used as primary endpoint. Quality of life (QoL) pre‐ and post‐RT was investigated using a shortened Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire‐8. Sialorrhea had improved significantly at 1 month post‐RT and this effect was maintained for at least 1 year. Most frequent adverse events were loss of taste and a dry mouth; however, 75% of these adverse events were transient. QoL had improved significantly on the long term. The clinical global impression scores at the final follow‐up showed that 80% of patients were satisfied. It was concluded that RT is an effective and safe treatment of sialorrhea on the long term in patients with parkinsonism. © 2007 Movement Disorder Society