Saliva Substitute Mouthwash in NPC Survivors With Xerostomia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is the highest reported otorhinolaryngological malignancy reported in Malaysia affecting predominantly male adults between 40-60 years old \[1, 2\]. Radiation therapy (RT) has been coined as the mainstay treatment owing to its' radiosensitive properties \[1, 3\]. Radiation-induced DNA damage impairs proper cell division, resulting in cell death or senescence of cells that attempt to divide, particularly useful in killing malignant cells. However, radiation doses to the salivary glands cause loss of saliva producing acinar cells which ultimately hampers production of saliva in NPC patients post radiation \[4\]. This leads to progressive loss of salivary gland function causing xerostomia symptoms \[5\]. This study aims to compare the effects of two mouthwashes in the treatment of xerostomia.