Radiosensitizing drugs, which make cancer cells more vulnerable to radiation, are being investigated for treating salivary gland cancer.
Chemotherapy for cancer of the salivary gland is still being tested in clinical trials. However, it may be used for people whose cancer has spread to distant organs. The side effects depend on the type and amount of chemotherapy given and the duration of treatment. Most side effects go away following treatment, but some can persist.
In addition, chemoprotective drugs such as amifostine or dexrazoxane are sometimes administered to patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatment. These drugs, which are administered intravenously, have been shown to protect the area that is undergoing treatment but not to compromise the effects of treatment on the tumor. In patients with head and neck cancer, chemoprotective agents can spare the salivary glands during radiation treatment. As a result, patients may experience fewer symptoms of dry mouth and damage to tissue in the general area. Chemoprotective drugs are not yet standard treatment and may cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting and low blood pressure.
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