[Pentoxifylline and tocopherol - The importance in the treatment of osteoradionecrosis - Literature review and case report]

Swiss Dent J. 2021 Sep 6;131(9):713-718.
[Article in German]

Abstract

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is a serious complication after radiotherapy for head and neck cancer and is a challenging condition for both the therapist and the patient because of its difficult treatment. Different non-invasive approaches have been published for the treatment of low-grade ORN cases without establishing a standard regimen for treatment. Based on the approach of ORN pathogenesis, the so-called radiatio-induced fibroathrophic process (RIF), a new treatment concept with pentoxifylline and tocopherol (PENTO) has been published. The results of PENTO therapy seem promising as a conservative treatment approach for mild ORN or as an alternative when surgical intervention is not possible or desired. The present study summarizes the current state of the literature and shows the effectiveness of PENTO therapy based on a case report.

Keywords: Osteoradionekrose; Pentoxifyllin; Radiotherapie; Tocopherol.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Head and Neck Neoplasms*
  • Humans
  • Osteoradionecrosis* / drug therapy
  • Pentoxifylline* / therapeutic use
  • Tocopherols / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Tocopherols
  • Pentoxifylline