Pilocarpine may prevent radiation-induced xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients: Study

Results: Between December 2007 and June 2022, 182 patients were enrolled including 95 patients (52%) in group A and 87 patients (48%) in group B. Group A patients reported grades 1, 2, 3, and 4 objective radiation-induced xerostomia in 0%, 7%, 93%, and 0%. Grade 1, 2, and 3 subjective radiation-induced xerostomia were 57%, 28%, and 15%. All patients in group B had grade 3 both objective/subjective radiation-induced xerostomia. The overall improvement of objective/subjective radiation-induced xerostomia was found in 40%/83%. Discontinuation was found in 51% of patients due to tolerable symptoms or deterioration of the patient's status. Based on this retrospective analysis, long-term use of pilocarpine in irradiated HNC appears feasible for both the prevention and treatment of radiation-induced xerostomia.

Kittichet, R., Chitapanarux, I., Kittidachanan, K., & Sripan, P. (2024). A real-life experience of long-term use of pilocarpine in irradiated head and neck cancer patients. Oral Diseases, 00, 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1111/odi.14905