Radiation therapy for hypersalivation in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Macarena M. Teja Ubach,
Spain
PO-1603
Abstract
Radiation therapy for hypersalivation in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Marta Rodríguez Roldán1, María Isabel Garrido Botella1, Elisabet González del Portillo1, Beatriz Debén Méndez1, Alba Colmenar Romero1, Abraham Ocanto Martínez1, Mercedes González Cantero1, Macarena Teja Ubach1, Rafael Rosel Aller1, Alberto Alonso Babarro2, María Varela Cerdeira2, Rosa Morera López1
1Hospital Universitario La Paz, Radiation Oncology, Madrid, Spain; 2Hospital Universitario La Paz, Palliative care, Madrid, Spain
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Purpose or Objective
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a disease characterized by progressive degeneration of motor neurons. One of the frequent symptoms is sialorrhea caused by progressive weakness. The aim of this retrospective study is to describe our experience and demonstrate the efficacy of radiotherapy in these patients.
Material and Methods
This study included patients with ALS evaluated in a Radiation Oncology department from 2016 to 2021. We included patients older than 18 years, diagnosed with ALS and severe sialorrhea that had not responded to previous medical treatment were included. Underage patients and patients who did not tolerate positioning of the treatment were excluded.
Results
A total of 20 patients were included, 12 had bulbar ALS and 8 had spinal ALS. AIl patients underwent radiotherapy treatment on the parotid glands with 3D technique and 6MV photons in a single fraction of 7.5Gy. Satisfaction index score (SIS): 0-10 were asked in each patient to measure effectiveness. 15 (75%) patients reported a decrease in sialorrhea of more than 50% (SIS: 5). 5 (25%) patients presented poor responses to radiotherapy treatment. so re-irradiation with the same dose was performed with improvement in symptoms in half of these patients. The treatment was well tolerated, no patient presented grade >3 toxicity.
Conclusion
A single fraction of 7.5Gy is an effective and safe treatment in patients diagnosed with ALS with sialorrhea who do not respond to medical treatment.