Acupuncture to Alleviate Radiotherapy-Induced Xerostomia: A Preliminary Report

Abstract

Objectives. Post irradiation salivary dysfunction leads to subjective distress and a pronounced decrease in quality of life. We evaluated the results of acupuncture applied to patients who suffered from xerostomia after conventional radiotherapy. Methods. From August 2001 to July 2002, sixteen patients were enrolled to receive acupuncture to alleviate xerostomia. A questionnaire was administrated to measure the subjective response. After November 2001, eight patients agreed to receive sialoscintigraphy for an objective measure of efficacy. Their findings are compared with those from healthy control group (36 healthy subjects including 23 men, 13 women, age, 56.2+/-13.3 years). Results. There was a significant decrement of impairment of salivary function for patients who received high dose radiation therapy. According to the questionnaire, mild to moderate relief from xerostomia was experienced. However, no statistically significant benefit of scintigraphic assessment was observed. Conclusions. Acupuncture may contribute to the palliation of xerostomia symptoms. However, the beneficial effect is expected to be larger for those who have some remaining salivary function.