Randomized controlled study assessing the action of auricular acupuncture in xerostomia induced by radiotherapy of head and neck cancer tumors. - ROS - 2012 - Tome 41 - N°4

Head and neck cancer tumors often require a radiotherapy, which generates important andmultiple after-effects. Among them, xerostomia considerably affects the functional forecast for these patients. At the Pain Center of the Gustave Roussy Institute (I.G.R.), we started a blind, placebo-controlled clinical study with an independent observer, to test the efficiency of auricular acupuncture. 60 patients were randomized in 2 groups and examined at day 0, day 28 and day 56: the first group receiving a placebo auriculotherapy, the second a verum auriculotherapy (Alimi Protocol).
Results: a significant improvement (of 66,17%, p < 0.0001) in xerostomia, measured 22,512 mm between day 0 and day 56 (p < 0.05) and 16,986 mm between day 28 and day 56 (p < 0.05) was noticed. Conclusion: auricular acupuncture is effective to reduce the intensity of radiation-induced xerostomia in patients treated for head and neck cancer tumors.