Efficacy of a novel lubricating system in the management of radiotherapy-related xerostomia

SummaryA comparison was made of Oral Balance gel delivered by slow release via a novel intra-oral device versus an oral bolus of gel on the oral health condition and oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) in patients who had received standard head and neck irradiation for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Twenty-two participants took part in a randomized single-blind crossover clinical study. Each treatment lasted 4 weeks with an intervening 4 weeks washout period. The GOHAI, Xerostomia Inventory and patient satisfaction measures were self-completed and oral health condition assessed objectively at baseline (week 0) and weeks 4, 8 and 12. Oral Balance gel, in bolus and slow-release forms, was effective in improving aspects of oral health, notably a reduction in oral cariogenic micro-organisms. Slow release of gel via the intra-oral device did not appear to improve OHRQoL whereas gel alone reduced the severity of xerostomia symptoms and was the treatment of choice.