Acupuncture for radiation-induced xerostomia in patients with cancer: a pilot study

Head Neck. 2009 Oct;31(10):1360-8. doi: 10.1002/hed.21110.

Abstract

Background: This pilot study evaluated if acupuncture can alleviate radiation-induced xerostomia among patients with cancer. Secondary objectives were to assess the effects of acupuncture on salivary flow and quality of life (QOL).

Methods: Nineteen patients received acupuncture twice a week for 4 weeks.

Results: Xerostomia inventory (XI) and patient benefit questionnaire (PBQ) scores were significantly better after acupuncture on weeks 4 and 8 than at baseline (XI: p = .0004 and .0001; PBQ: p = .0004 and .0011, respectively). For QOL at weeks 4 and 8, there was a significant difference for questions related to head/neck cancer (p = .04 and .006, respectively). At week 8, there was a significant difference in physical well-being (p = .04). At weeks 5 and 8, there were significant differences in the total score (p = .04 and .03, respectively).

Conclusions: Acupuncture was effective for radiation-induced xerostomia in this small pilot study. Further research is needed.

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture Therapy*
  • Carcinoma, Squamous Cell / radiotherapy*
  • Female
  • Head and Neck Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Pilot Projects
  • Quality of Life
  • Radiotherapy / adverse effects
  • Radiotherapy Dosage
  • Surveys and Questionnaires
  • Tongue Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Xerostomia / etiology
  • Xerostomia / therapy*