The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) and the European Organization for Research on the Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) provide criteria for assessing the complications of radiation therapy affecting the salivary glands.
Guidelines:
(1) Change in affected parameter is ascribed to radiation therapy and not underlying or concurrent disease.
(2) Considered acute if occurs from day 1 to 90; after day 90 considered late complication.
Acute Complications
Grade 0: no change from baseline
|
Injury |
Grade 1 |
Grade 2 |
Grade 3 |
Grade 4 |
|
mouth dryness |
mild |
moderate to complete |
NA |
NA |
|
saliva |
slightly thick |
thick, sticky |
NA |
NA |
|
taste |
sometimes slightly altered taste, including "metallic" |
markedly altered taste |
NA |
NA |
|
other |
no or minimal increase in use of liquids with meals |
increase in use of liquids with meals |
NA |
acute salivary gland necrosis |
Note: Death to acute radiation effects (Grade 5) would not be expected with radiation to the salivary glands.
Late Complications
Grade 0: no change from baseline
|
Injury |
Grade 1 |
Grade 2 |
Grade 3 |
Grade 4 |
|
mouth dryness |
slight |
moderate |
complete |
NA |
|
response to stimulation |
good |
poor |
no response |
NA |
|
other |
NA |
NA |
NA |
fibrosis |
Note: Death to late radiation effects (Grade 5) would not be expected with radiation to the salivary glands.
Specialty: Hematology Oncology, Otolaryngology
