Radiation Oncology/Toxicity/Lacrimal



Lacrimal Gland Radiation Tolerance


  • University of Florida
    • 1996 PMID 8823799 -- "Response of the normal eye to high dose radiotherapy." (Parsons JT, Oncology (Williston Park). 1996 Jun;10(6):837-47; discussion 847-8, 851-2.)
      • Review of 157 patients. Minimum F/U 3 years
      • MTD: lacrimal glands 40 Gy, retina 50 Gy, optic nerve/chiasm 60 Gy
    • 1994 (1964-1989) PMID 7960978 -- "Severe dry-eye syndrome following external beam irradiation." (Parsons JT, Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys. 1994 Nov 15;30(4):775-80.)
      • Retrospective. 33 patients, H&N tumors, irradiation of entire orbit. Lacrimal dose calculated at 1cm
      • Severe dry eye syndrome (visual loss due secondary to corneal opacification, ulceration, or vascularization): 61% patients. If dose >=57 Gy, 100% and faster time-to-onset 10 months. If dose <=45 Gy, 19%, and slower time-to-onset 4-11 years
      • Conclusion: Sigmoid dose-response curve; incidence of injury 0% after <-30 Gy to 100% after >=57 Gy