What Researchers Did
Researchers conducted a pilot study to evaluate the effect of 30 sessions of hyperbaric oxygen treatment on salivary flow rate and xerostomia in 80 previously irradiated head and neck cancer patients.
What They Found
The study found a significant decrease in patient-reported xerostomia (p<0.001) and a slight but significant increase in both unstimulated and stimulated whole salivary flow rates (p<0.001) after hyperbaric oxygen treatment. Among the 45 patients with hyposalivation, 25 experienced an increased unstimulated whole salivary flow rate, with 12 of these reaching levels no longer considered hyposalivation.
What This Means for Canadian Patients
Canadian head and neck cancer patients experiencing radiation-induced dry mouth may potentially find relief from xerostomia and an improvement in salivary flow with hyperbaric oxygen treatment. This could lead to a better quality of life by alleviating discomfort and improving oral function for survivors of head and neck cancer.
Canadian Relevance
This pilot study was conducted in Copenhagen, Denmark, and does not have a direct Canadian connection.
Study Limitations
As a pilot study, its findings are preliminary and require confirmation in larger, controlled trials.