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Post-radiation severe xerostomia relieved by pilocarpine: a prospective French cooperative study.
- Source :
-
Radiotherapy and oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology [Radiother Oncol] 2000 Jun; Vol. 55 (3), pp. 233-9. - Publication Year :
- 2000
-
Abstract
- Background and Purpose: The aim of the study was: (1) to confirm the action of pilocarpine hydrochloride (Salagen) against xerostomia: (2) to correlate the response to dose/volume radiotherapy parameters.<br />Materials and Methods: From June 1995 to February 1996, 156 patients with severe radiation induced xerostomia received pilocarpine hydrochloride orally. IS mg per day with a 5 mg optional increase at S weeks up to a daily dose of 25 mg beyond 9 weeks.<br />Results: One hundred and forty five patients are fully evaluable. Treatment compliance was 75%. Thirty eight patients (26%) stopped treatment before week 12 for acute intolerance (sweating, nausea, vomiting) or no response. No severe complication occurred. Ninety ses en patients (67%) reported a significant relief of symptoms of xerostomia at 12 weeks. Within 12 weeks, the size of the subgroup ith normal food intake almost doubled (13-24 patients) while the size of the subgroup with (nearly) impossible solid food ingestion decreased by 38% (47 vs. 29 patients). The impact on quality of life was considered important or very important by 77% of the responders.<br />Conclusions: No difference was found according to dose/volume radiotherapy parameters suggesting that oral pilocarpine hydrochloride: (1) acts primarily by stimulating minor salivary glands: (2) can be of benefit to patients suffering of severe xerostomia regardless of radiotherapy dose/volume parameters: (3) all responders are identified at 12 weeks.
- Subjects :
- Administration, Oral
Adult
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Female
Head and Neck Neoplasms radiotherapy
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Muscarinic Agonists administration & dosage
Pilocarpine administration & dosage
Prospective Studies
Quality of Life
Radiation Injuries etiology
Radiotherapy adverse effects
Saliva metabolism
Salivary Glands drug effects
Salivary Glands metabolism
Severity of Illness Index
Xerostomia etiology
Muscarinic Agonists therapeutic use
Pilocarpine therapeutic use
Radiation Injuries drug therapy
Salivary Glands radiation effects
Xerostomia drug therapy
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0167-8140
- Volume :
- 55
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Radiotherapy and oncology : journal of the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 11041775
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/s0167-8140(99)00018-3