Protection of Radiotherapy‐Induced Xerostomia with Vitamin E+C Complex

Abstract

Objective: Salivary tissues are easily damaged by radiotherapy (RT) and therefore xerostomia becomes the most common complaint in patients who receive RT in the head and neck area. This study aimed to elucidate the effective of antioxidant vitamin E and C complex on the protection of RT-induced xerostomia. Method: A trial group received a vitamin E (200 IU) + C (500 mg) complex for 3 months of peri-RT period. A control group took placebo which had no inner contents. Subjective questionnaires, objective grading by a nurse-specialist, and scintigraphs were obtained before and after 1 and 6 months of RT. Results: Sixty-five patients were initially enrolled and 39 patients completed the study as scheduled. There were no differences in age, sex, RT dosage, tumor staging, and treatment modality between the 2 groups. The trial group reported less discomfort in 2 items of subjective evaluation; “impaired speech” and “difficulty of mastication” ( P < .05). Pre- and poststimulatory oral salivary scan were higher in the trial group ( P < .034 and P < .026, respectively). In the trial group, maximum accumulations in submandibular gland were significantly higher at 1 month as well as at 6 months after RT ( P < .041 and P < .004, respectively). Conclusion: Short-term administration of antioxidant vitamin E and C complex during the period of RT has protective roles against xerostomia. Higher oral activity in the trial (vitamin E+C) group is probably based on the protection of accumulatory function of the SMG.