Effect of True and Sham Acupuncture on Radiation-Induced Xerostomia Among Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Importance

Radiation-induced xerostomia (RIX) is a common, often debilitating, adverse effect of radiation therapy among patients with head and neck cancer. Quality of life can be severely affected, and current treatments have limited benefit.

Objective

To determine if acupuncture can prevent RIX in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing radiation therapy.

Design, setting, and participants

This 2-center, phase 3, randomized clinical trial compared a standard care control (SCC) with true acupuncture (TA) and sham acupuncture (SA) among patients with oropharyngeal or nasopharyngeal carcinoma who were undergoing radiation therapy in comprehensive cancer centers in the United States and China. Patients were enrolled between December 16, 2011, and July 7, 2015. Fina

SUBMITTER: Garcia MK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6902763 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature