Oral Cancer News

Source: Nippon Jibiinkoka Gakkai Kaiho, September 1, 2009; 112(9): 648-55
Author: R Shimazu et al.

In evaluating the effect of cepharanthin on and taste disorder in 40 patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, we administered cepharanthin intravenously during chemoradiotherapy to 22 patients, with 18 others as a control group. Cepharanthin did not significantly affect salivary secretion during and after chemoradiotherapy, although taste disorder and oral discomfort were alleviated. Cepharanthin may thus be effective in maintaining the quality of life of patients with head and neck cancer.

Authors:
R Shimazu, G Tanaka, R Tomiyama, Y Kuratomi, and A Inokuchi

Authors’ affiliation:
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Saga