Botulinum toxin for salivary disorders in the treatment of head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM During the treatment of head and neck cancer (HNC), salivary problems may impair a patient's healing process. Botulinum toxin (BoNT) is accepted as an effective treatment option for reducing salivary flow. We aimed to describe the features of patients treated with BoNT to determine the effects of BoNT. PATIENTS AND METHODS Twenty-five patients over a five-year period were retrospectively included. The patients suffered at different stages of oncologic treatment. The cohort primarily had larger primary tumors that required complex oncological treatment. RESULTS The condition improved in more than three quarters of the 19 patients with functional hypersalivation. Four of six cases suffering from a salivary fistula demonstrated an obvious reduction in symptoms. CONCLUSIONS Injection of BoNT, to temporarily reduce saliva flow, is a safe tool in the treatment of HNC even in situations involving repeated therapy or high dosage. The main clinical side-effect of BoNT is insufficient reduction of the salivary problem.