Implementation of submandibular gland transfer: A multi-institutional study of feasibility and time to treatment
Document Type
Article
Publication Title
Head & Neck
Abstract
Background: Submandibular gland transfer (SMGT) mitigates radiation-induced xerostomia but has yet to be widely adopted. We evaluate the feasibility of incorporating SMGT at multiple academic institutions and report the incidence of treatment delay.
Methods: Forty-nine patients were identified who underwent SMGT. Time points pertaining to diagnosis and key treatment events including SMGT, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation were extracted. Treatment delay was defined as either >60 days from diagnosis to definitive therapy or >6 weeks between surgery and adjuvant therapy.
Results: Median time from diagnosis to primary treatment was 42 days (IQR, 32-54). Median time from surgery to adjuvant therapy was 33 days (IQR, 28-47). Delay in starting treatment was observed in 7/49 patients (14%). Six patients incurred a delay in postoperative radiation therapy (6/19; 32%).
Conclusions: With appropriate care coordination, SMGT can be implemented into a clinical pathway with a goal of decreasing radiation-induced xerostomia without increasing treatment delays.
First Page
2182
Last Page
2189
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.25685
Publication Date
Summer 7-2019
Recommended Citation
Pang J, Ching HH, Sobel RH, Orosco RK, Califano JA 3rd, Wang RC, Sanghvi P, Coffey CS. Implementation of submandibular gland transfer: A multi-institutional study of feasibility and time to treatment. Head Neck. 2019 Jul;41(7):2182-2189. doi: 10.1002/hed.25685. Epub 2019 Feb 5. PMID: 30723965.