Acupuncture reduces xerostomia (drymouth) in patients receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancer,
according to a study published online in Cancer. A study of 86 patients with nasopharyngeal
carcinoma was divided into two groups, one group receiving usual care and the
other usual care plus acupuncture. Patients responded to questionnaires
regarding symptoms of dry mouth. The researchers also measured unstimulated and
stimulated salivary flow. When
questioned, the acupuncture group reported symptoms half as severe as the
untreated group both one month and six months after radiotherapy. Salivary flow
rates were also greater in the acupuncture group, starting at week three of
radiotherapy and continuing to the one- and six-month follow-up evaluations. Because lack of saliva can result in
increased microbial growth, possible bone infection and irreversible
nutritional deficits, the implications of this study are profound in terms of
quality of life. Acupuncture can have a
significant impact on improved sleeping, eating and speaking.
Robert G. Tupac, DDS, FACP, Inc.,
Diplomate, American Board of Prosthodontics
(661) 325-1275 |
www.drtupac.com
5060 California Ave., #170, Bakersfield, CA 93309
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