Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) treatments

[bugger]

I'm interested in comments from anyone treated for Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) and ORN patients who have experienced hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and/or Pentoxifylline-Tocopherol-Clodronate Combination (PENTOCLO). Not sure the latter is available here yet, another form is known as Trental (Oxpentifylline).

[CJF]

Hi Bugger, I have just found this site so am finding my way around it. I had radiotherapy for tongue and neck cancer in 2007. I have typical radiotherapy tissue damage and as my jaw was heavily radiated, I am about to start Hyperbaric Therapy on the 26th Sept in preparation for tooth removal. I will let you know how it goes. I have 4 weeks of two hours per day and then 2 weeks of 2 hours a day after the surgery.

[bugger]

Hi CJF, I had #2 of 30 HBO 'dives' today, no problems now but I had to have grommets installed as the radiation caused inflammation and blocked my Eustachian tube so I was unable to equalize pressure. If you don't have any problems flying you will not need grommets. Also cos I have narrow ear canals the grommets were installed in hospital under a general anaesthetic. My RadOnc doesn't seem to have much faith in the HBO process, today he mentioned speculation about it causing cancer cells to proliferate, the dentist in his team made a similar comment but could not provide details. I sought a second opinion and questioned HBO specialists about this and they said there is clinical evidence to the contrary. The research I've seen shows long term benefits in restoring radiation damaged cells and is important for future dental issues. It's now a Medicare endorsed treatment for ORN patients. How did you find out about HBO treatment, did your RadOnc refer you? Consider joining the Mouth, Nose & Throat Cancer Support Group in this forum. Nev

[CJF]

Hi Bugger, Glad to hear the HBO sessions are going well. I too read some adverse comments about the treatment but my Head and Neck surgeon and my Rad specialist seem to think its a good idea. They both reassure me that I am cancer free though. I hope they are right. I spoke with the HBO doctor and she said the negative comments I'd read on the internet were unsubstantiated. So, I figure the threat of infection in my jaw is greater at the moment, so I am starting next week. (No trouble flying) My Head and neck surgeon, whom I've been seeing every 6 months for the past 4 1/2 years, recommended the HBO. The Dentist and oral surgeons hadn't really heard about it, but the rad prof (who I see every 6 months as well) is in agreement with the Head and neck surgeon. I have put in a request to join the Mouth, Nose and Throat Cancer Support Group - am awaiting a reply. Hope to meet everyone in the group soon. Cathy

[bugger]

Some keywords to google "Feldmeier", "Cochrane Review" and "Pentocol". Here's a couple links to info I found: Hyperbaric oxygen: does it promote growth or recurrence of malignancy? and Does Hyperbaric Oxygenation accelerate cancer? & The Cochrane Collaboration. It's all a bit heavy going, I had to satisfy myself this was the right treatment since my RadOnc cast some doubt, it's good that your RadOnc has endorsed it for you.