title: The efficacy of pentoxifylline/tocopherol combination in the treatment of osteoradionecrosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is an unfortunate complication of radiation therapy to the head and neck. Treatment has historically centered around hyperbaric oxygen therapy and surgical removal of necrotic bone. Recently, a new theory on the pathogenesis of ORN has proposed treatment with pentoxifylline (PTX) and tocopherol/vitamin E. The aim of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness of pentoxifylline and tocopherol in the management of patients with ORN.
  
  
  METHODS
  The hospital dentistry group managed 13 patients that presented to our service with exposed bone after cancercidal doses of radiation to the head and neck. The patients were prescribed PTX 400 mg bid and tocopherol 1,000 IU QD.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eleven of the 13 patients exhibited improvement and resolution. No adverse events were noted during treatment.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This medical modality of treating ORN appears safe and effective, inducing bone and mucosal healing.
authors.affiliation: UCLA School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Box 951668, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1668.
authors.forename: Marc
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hayashi
authors.affiliation: International Preceptor, Guatemala, Section of Hospital Dentistry, UCLA School of Dentistry.
authors.forename: Monica
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pellecer
authors.affiliation: UCLA School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Box 951668, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1668.|Clinical Professor, Section of Hospital Dentistry, UCLA School of Dentistry.
authors.forename: Evelyn
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Chung
authors.affiliation: UCLA School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Box 951668, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1668.|Clinical Professor, Vice Chair of the Division of Advanced Prosthodontics, Chair of the Section of Special Patient Care, Residency Program Director (General Practice), Section of Hospital Dentistry, UCLA School of Dentistry.
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Sung
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000975:Antioxidants / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004338:Drug Combinations; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010025:Osteoradionecrosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010431:Pentoxifylline / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D024505:Tocopherols / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000975:Antioxidants; D004338:Drug Combinations; D011837:Radiation-Protective Agents; D024505:Tocopherols; D010431:Pentoxifylline
keywords: antioxidant pathway; oral cancer; osteoradionecrosis; pentoxifylline; radiation-induced fibroatrophy; tocopherol