INTRAORAL ELECTROSTIMULATOR FOR RADIATION INDUCED XEROSTOMIA IN PATIENTS WITH HEAD AND NECK CANCER
UDC: [621.373.13.031:612.313]:617.51/.53-006.6
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46763/ETIMA2531214rgjKeywords:
electrostimulation, xerostomia, radiotherapy, salivary glands, head and neck cancerAbstract
Abstract
Xerostomia is a common condition that often affects patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancers. The condition arises primarily due to damage to the salivary glands, leading to a significant reduction in saliva production. This not only impacts oral health but also diminishes the quality of life for patients, making it essential to explore effective treatment options. One such innovation is the SaliPen electrostimulator, a device designed to stimulate salivary gland function. Several clinical trials have investigated the efficacy of the SaliPen electrostimulator in patients suffering from xerostomia due to radiotherapy. When the SaliPen is activated, the control unit generates low-frequency electrical impulses. These impulses are typically in the range of 1 to 100 Hz, which is optimal for stimulating the salivary glands without causing discomfort to the user. The generated impulses are transmitted through the electrodes to the oral mucosa. The design of the electrodes ensures that the electrical current penetrates the tissue effectively, reaching the nerve endings associated with the salivary glands. The electrical impulses stimulate the afferent nerve fibers in the oral mucosa, particularly those linked to the parasympathetic nervous system. As a result of the electrical stimulation, neurotransmitters such as acetylcholine are released at the synapses of the salivary glands. Acetylcholine is a key neurotransmitter in the stimulation of saliva secretion, activating the glandular cells responsible for producing saliva. The activation of the salivary glands leads to an increase in saliva production. The SaliPen effectively enhances the function of the remaining viable salivary tissue, allowing patients to experience relief from the symptoms of xerostomia. As further research elucidates its benefits and optimizes treatment protocols, the SaliPen may become a standard element in the care of patients suffering from the debilitating effects of dry mouth. As healthcare continues to evolve, innovations like the SaliPen demonstrate the potential for improved outcomes in the management of complex postradiation-related symptoms.
Key words: electrostimulation, xerostomia, radiotherapy, salivary glands, head and neck cancer
Downloads
References
[1]. Mercadante, Valeria et al. “Salivary Electrostimulation in the Treatment of Radiation Therapy-Induced
Xerostomia (LEONIDAS-2): A Multicenter, Randomized, Double-Masked, Sham-Controlled, Phase 3
Trial.” International journal of radiation oncology, biology, physics vol. 118,1 (2024): 142-153.
[2]. Mercadante, Valeria et al. “Interventions for the management of radiotherapy-induced xerostomia and
hyposalivation: A systematic review and meta-analysis.” Oral oncology vol. 66 (2017): 64-74.
[3]. Alajbeg I, Falcão DP, Tran SD, Martín-Granizo R, Lafaurie GI, Matranga D, Pejda S, Vuletić L, Mantilla
R, Leal SC, Bezerra AC, Ménard HA, Kimoto S, Pan S, Maniegas L, Krushinski CA, Melilli D, Campisi
G, Paderni C, Mendoza GR, Yepes JF, Lindh L, Koray M, Mumcu G, Elad S, Zeevi I, Barrios BC, López
Sánchez RM, Lassauzay C, Fromentin O, Beiski BZ, Strietzel FP, Konttinen YT, Wolff A, Zunt SL.
Intraoral electrostimulator for xerostomia relief: a long-term, multicenter, open-label, uncontrolled,
clinical trial. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2012 Jun;113(6):773-81.
[4]. Alajbeg, Ivan et al. “Intraoral electrostimulator for xerostomia relief: a long-term, multicenter, openlabel,
uncontrolled, clinical trial.” Oral surgery, oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology vol.
113,6 (2012): 773-81.
[5]. Strietzel, F P et al. “Electrostimulating device in the management of xerostomia.” Oral diseases vol. 13,2
(2007): 206-13.
[6]. Strietzel, Frank P et al. “Efficacy and safety of an intraoral electrostimulation device for xerostomia
relief: a multicenter, randomized trial.” Arthritis and rheumatism vol. 63,1 (2011): 180-90.
[7]. Wolff, A et al. “Electrostimulation of the lingual nerve by an intraoral device may lead to salivary gland
regeneration: A case series study.” Medicina oral, patologia oral y cirugia bucal vol. 23,5 e552-e559. 1
Sep. 2018.
[8]. Hargitai IA, Sherman RG, Strother JM. The effects of electrostimulation on parotid saliva flow: a pilot
study. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 2005;99:316-20.
[9]. Lafaurie G, Fedele S, Granizo López RM et al. Biotechnological advances in neuro-electro-stimulation
for the treatment of hyposalivation and xerostomia. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal, 2009;14(2):E76-80.
[10]. Pimenta Amaral TM, Campos CC, Moreira dos Santos TP et al. Effect of salivary stimulation therapies
on salivary flow and chemotherapy-induced mucositis: a preliminary study. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral
Pathol Oral Radiol 2012;113:628-637.
[11]. Wong RKW, James JL, Sagar S et al. Phase 2 results from radiation therapy oncology group study
0537. Cancer 2012;118:4244-52.
[12]. Vijayan A, Asha ML, Babu S et al. Prospective Phase II Study of the Efficacy of Transcutaneous
Electrical Nerve Stimulation in Post-radiation Patients. Clin Oncol 2014;26:743-747.
[13]. Zadik Y, Zeevi I, Luboshitz-Shon N, Dakwar N, Wolff A, Shapira MY, Or R, Elad S. Safety and
efficacy of an intra-oral electrostimulator for the relief of dry mouth in patients with chronic graft versus
host disease: Case series. Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2014 May 1;19(3):e212-9.
[14].Talal, N et al. “The clinical effects of electrostimulation on salivary function of Sjögren's syndrome
patients. A placebo controlled study.” Rheumatology international vol. 12,2 (1992): 43-5.
[15].Muir, T C et al. “The effects of electrical stimulation of the autonomic nerves and of drugs on the size
of salivary glands and their rate of cell division.” The Journal of pharmacology and experimental
therapeutics vol. 195,2 (1975): 372-81.
