One of the real problems for patients treated with radiotherapy to sites including the salivary glands is xerostomia, or dry mouth syndrome. This can severely affect cancer patients' quality of life. Current treatments and prevention techniques for xerostomia are insufficient and do not work for all patients. So there is a need to develop novel strategies. One of these is to use adult stem cells to replace radiation sterilised stem cells and restore salivary gland function. This study investigated the potential of salivary gland stem cell therapy.

The technique employed stem cells from mouse submandibular glands obtained by an in vitro floating salisphere culture and enriched using FACS selecting for stem cell marker c-kit. Transplantation of these cells in irradiated mouse submandibular gland resulted in a stem cell derived improved morphology and saliva production.

From humans, parotid and submandibular glands similar salispheres were obtained which in vitro differentiated into acinar cells and contained cells that express the stem cell marker. These results suggest that a similar 'putative' stem cell population can be isolated from human salivary glands.

This study provides the first proof for potential use of stem cell transplantation to restore the function of a gland damaged by radiation.

Coppes Robert P. et al. University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen , Groningen , Netherlands

About ESTRO 27

ESTRO 27 (September 14th to 18th, 2008) offered an outstanding scientific programme combining lectures from eminent invited speakers, proffered papers and poster discussions, teaching lectures on a wide range of topics including clinical issues, brachytherapy, radiobiology, physics and technology as well as debates on controversial topics and clinical case discussions, a special poster reception, poster discussion sessions and electronic poster viewing.

ESTRO 27 hosted the largest European exhibition in Radiotherapy with participation from all the leading manufacturers.

ESTRO 27

ESTRO (European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology)