Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture in minimizing the severity of radiation-induced xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer. A total of 24 consecutive patients receiving > 5000 cGy radiotherapy (RT) involving the major salivary glands bilaterally were assigned to either the preventive acupuncture group (PA, n = 12), treated with acupuncture before and during RT, or the control group (CT, n = 12), treated with RT and not receiving acupuncture. After RT completion, clinical response was assessed in all patients by syalometry, measuring the resting (RSFR) and stimulated (SSFR) salivary flow rates, and by the visual analogue scale (VAS) regarding dry mouth-related symptoms. Statistical analyses were performed with repeated-measures using a mixed-effect modeling procedure and analysis of variance. An alpha level of 0.05 was accepted for statistical significance. Although all patients exhibited some degree of impairment in salivary gland functioning after RT, significant differences were found between the groups. Patients in the PA group showed improved salivary flow rates (RSFR, SSFR; p < 0.001) and decreased xerostomia-related symptoms (VAS, p < 0.05) compared with patients in the CT group. Although PA treatment did not prevent the oral sequelae of RT completely, it significantly minimized the severity of radiation-induced xerostomia. The results suggest that acupuncture focused in a preventive approach can be a useful therapy in the management of patients with head and neck cancer undergoing RT.
Highlights
Xerostomia is the most frequent and potentially debilitating side-effect of radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer
The objective and subjective outcomes measured in the preventive acupuncture (PA) and CT groups are detailed in Table 3 and illustrated in Figures 1 and 2
We report an innovative protocol for xerostomia prevention through PA treatment, and evaluated its clinical effectiveness in minimizing the severity of irradiation side effects on salivary flow rates and xerostomia-related symptoms
Summary
Xerostomia (dry mouth) is the most frequent and potentially debilitating side-effect of radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck cancer. Xerostomia can result in long-term or even permanent oral function impairment and usually is associated with morbidity that profoundly affects the quality of life.[1,2,3,4] Several potential methods for preventing radiation-induced xerostomia have been described; xerostomia management is complex and often is refractory to most interventions.[5]. Studies using systemic sialogogues (e.g., pilocarpine) concomitant with RT have failed to show significant maintenance of saliva production These therapies have the potential to induce a wide range of unfavorable side effects.[6] Surgical submandibular salivary gland transfer to the submental space outside of the radiation field appears to be
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
