misoprostol and Pharyngeal-Neoplasms

The oral complications associated with radiotherapy to the head and neck are a significant dose-limiting factor. The goals of this study were to determine whether oropharyngeal rinsing and ingestion of misoprostol protect mucous membranes from the acute effects of irradiation, and to evaluate the quality-of-life (QOL) outcomes of patients receiving misoprostol. We report the results of the QOL outcomes of patients in this study.. A total of 33 patients with resected or intact cancer of the oral cavity, oropharynx, supraglottic larynx, or hypopharynx were registered to receive postoperative radiotherapy plus misoprostol or primary radiotherapy plus misoprostol. All patients were scheduled to receive 60-70 Gy at 2 Gy/d within 6-7 weeks. QOL and function were evaluated.. A decrease in the QOL and function occurred in all areas covered by the questionnaire at the 6-week interval. This decrease was significant for eating, saliva, taste, and mucous. Of these significant factors, taste, saliva, and mucous consistency had not resolved by 12 weeks.. Increased understanding of the impact of treatment on QOL and symptoms will formulate the rational design of toxicity interventions and enhance the multidisciplinary care of head-and-neck patients.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Alprostadil; Antineoplastic Agents; Female; Humans; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Misoprostol; Mouth Mucosa; Mouth Neoplasms; Mucous Membrane; Neoplasm Metastasis; Pharyngeal Neoplasms; Pharynx; Quality of Life; Surveys and Questionnaires; Time Factors

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Double-Blind Method; Humans; Laryngeal Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Misoprostol; Mouth Mucosa; Mouth Neoplasms; Mouthwashes; Oropharyngeal Neoplasms; Pharyngeal Neoplasms; Placebos; Radiation Injuries; Radiotherapy; Stomatitis