Submandibular gland transfer for the prevention of radiation‐induced xerostomia in oropharyngeal cancer: Dosimetric impact in the intensity modulated radiotherapy era

Background Submandibular gland (SMG) transfer decreased radiation‐associated xerostomia in the 2/3‐dimensional radiotherapy era. We evaluated the dosimetric implications of SMG transfer on modern intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) plans. Methods Eighteen oropharynx cancer patients underwent SMG transfer followed by IMRT; reoptimized plans using the baseline SMG location were generated. Mean salivary gland, oral cavity, and larynx doses were compared between clinical plans and reoptimized plans. Results No statistically significant difference in mean SMG dose (27.53 Gy vs. 29.61 Gy) or total salivary gland dose (26.12 Gy vs. 26.41 Gy) was observed with or without SMG transfer (all p > 0.05). Mean oral cavity and larynx doses were not statistically different. Neither tumor site, target volume crossing midline, stage, nor salivary gland volumes were associated with mean doses. Conclusions Salivary gland doses were similar with or without SMG transfer. IMRT likely decreases the benefit of SMG transfer on the risk of radiation‐associated xerostomia.