Functional-structural reorganisation of salivary glands in oncological pathology: A mini-review

Dysfunctions of salivary glands during the treatment of benign and malignant tumours are a widely diagnosed problem among oncology patients. This study aimed to investigate the disruption of the structure of salivary glands as a result of the treatment of oncological diseases and methods for their correction and elimination. 39 scientific papers were analysed. Methods of search, comparison, systematisation, and combination of the results of the conducted studies were used. The destructive effect of chemo- and radiotherapy and the treatment of malignant tumours by increasing the body’s overall temperature on the structure of salivary glands in the experiment was proven. The influence of low intensity ultrasound on the submandibular gland demonstrates its tissues’ high adaptive and regenerative properties. Data from clinical studies on the correction and elimination of salivary gland dysfunctions in oncological patients showed an ambiguous result. The simultaneous application of photobiomodulation and radiotherapy in patients with head and neck tumours significantly improves organ function: it stimulates salivation, regulates saliva composition, controls the redox mechanism of salivary glands, and locally eliminates inflammation. A slight compensation of the mineralising function of saliva was found with substitution therapy using biologically active components and a remineralising agent in children with malignant tumours undergoing chemotherapy. A positive effect of betanechol and vitamin E in protecting salivary glands during the treatment of head and neck cancer with radiotherapy has been noted, which consists of improving the structure and function of the glands in the long term and is the same in women and men. Studies of vitamin C intake after radioiodine therapy in patients with head and neck cancer have shown its insufficient restorative effect on the quantitative and qualitative composition of saliva. The results of this review can serve as a basis for an accurate assessment by oncologists of salivary gland damage and the pathogenesis of their dysfunctions as a result of cancer therapy, provide an opportunity to reconsider existing views on the problem, develop new methods for preventing and treating these complications, and improve the quality of life and recovery process for patients