Effect of True and Sham Acupuncture on Radiation-Induced Xerostomia Among Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

Abstract

This randomized clinical trial examines the efficacy of true or sham acupuncture vs standard care in the treatment of radiation-induced xerostomia among patients in the United States and China.

Keeping Integrative Medicine Continuing Medical Education on the Cutting Edge—and Compliant

“…7 Oncologists hope to deliver care that has the potential to improve the standard treatment response, such as acupuncture to reduce symptoms of therapy-induced xerostomia and neuropathy. 8,9 Physicians who seek training in IM may additionally aspire to a more preventive, whole-person, and healthoriented focus for their practice. 10 Beyond the inclusion of broader therapeutic options, IM physicians work from a salutogenic model focused on health promotion, as endorsed by a consortium of academic medical centers and health systems.…”

[18F]DCP, First Generation PET Radiotracer for Diagnosis of Radiation Resistant Head and Neck Cancer

“…Compared with the radiation sensitive SCC-61, the radiation resistant rSCC-61 cells display increased using single exponential kinetics and the second order rate constants were calculated by dividing the rate with the respective concentration of probes (5 mM). 7 resistance to ionizing radiation (SCC-61: SF2 0.35, rSCC-61 SF2 0.66; SF2 -survival factor at 2 Gy), decreased ROS including cytosolic, mitochondrial and nuclear H2O2, upregulation of antioxidant proteins (e.g., Prx 1-3, GST-pi, NQO1) (10), increased mitochondrial MTHFD2 contributing to higher NADPH levels (23), and increased glucose uptake with glucose metabolism being funneled into the Pentose Phosphate Pathway and leading overall to increased NADPH/NADP + ratio in these cells (SCC-61: 11.1; rSCC-61: 17.5) (11). The rSCC-61 cells were also characterized by decreased mitochondrial respiration measured by the oxygen consumption rates (SCC-61: 169 pmoles/min; rSCC-61: 96 pmoles/min) and ATP synthesis (SCC-61: 155 pmoles/min; rSCC-61: 83 pmoles/min) (11).…”

“…Indeed, redox-active compounds such as Fe-and Mn-porphyrins (3)(4)(5), small molecule thiol precursors (e.g., Ethyol (amifostine)) (6), and alternative anti-inflammatory therapies (7) have been shown to protect healthy tissue from radiation-induced damage and are utilized to alleviate oral mucositis and xerostomia in HNSCC patients. Identification of patients with radiation resistant tumors has been, however, more challenging.…”

Palliative Care in Integrative Oncology

“…SIO members and leadership have long been involved in research behind these guidelines, such as the use of acupuncture for pain, 3 chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN), 4 and xerostomia. 5 Likewise, mindfulness-based cancer recovery (MBCR) has been shown to alleviate symptoms of anxiety, fatigue, and stress. 6 In this issue of JACM are other articles relating to integrative oncology, which are in line with SIO's mission and strategic plan.…”