Potential effect of acupuncture in xerostomia induced by radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients: a randomized preliminary study

Objective

The aim of the present exploratory work was to investigate if acupuncture objectively improves xerostomia and if results are sufficiently relevant to perform further studies.

Material and methods

A preliminary clinical study, randomized, non-blinded and controlled with a waiting list was designed. The initial sample of the study consisted of 33 patients with malignant neoplasia in the head and neck area, submitted to RT treatment between October 2014 and May 2015 in the Radiotherapy Service of Centro Hospitalar do Porto at Oporto (Portugal). After applying inclusion/exclusion criteria the final patient's sample consisted of 18 patients randomized in two groups (experimental and control groups). The experimental group (EG) was submitted to 8 acupuncture sessions. The control group (CG) consisted of patients of the “waiting list”. All patients were subjected to the sialometry and modified Schimer tests. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire, Core Module (QLQ-C30) and Head and Neck Module (QLQ-H&N35) were also used.

Results

There was a statistically significant increase in the amount of saliva (p < 0.001) and an increase in salivary flow, without stimulation (p = 0.001) and with stimulation (p = 0.011), when comparing experimental and control group. There was also an improvement in the “dry mouth sensation” in EG (p = 0.03) and a tendency to improve symptoms associated with xerostomia in the EG.

Conclusions

Despite the methodological limitations, our study suggests that the acupuncture treatment used can objectively increase salivary production (flow and quantity) and improve the quality of life of the patients. There were not detected side effects associated with acupuncture. These results are sufficiently relevant to perform further studies.