PENTOCLO for Treatment of Osteoradionecrosis of the Temporal Bone

Abstract

Objectives:

Osteoradionecrosis is a rare but devastating complication of radiation therapy that often requires surgical intervention. The objective of this report is to describe a case of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the temporal bone that was managed medically with PENTOCLO (pentoxifylline-tocopherol-clodronate). The use of PENTOCLO in the treatment of ORN of other sites in the head and neck will also be described.

Methods:

We report the case of a patient treated at our institution and present a review of literature. A 52-year-old woman presented with ORN of the temporal bone 20 years following radiation therapy for an ipsilateral parotid tumor. The patient had chronic infections and otorrhea.

Results:

She failed conservative treatment including antibiotic-steroid ear drops and aural lavage. As an alternative to hyperbaric oxygen and/or temporal bone resection, treatment with PENTOCLO was pursued and her condition improved dramatically. A literature review of ORN of the temporal bone and the use of PENTOCOLO in the management of ORN of other sites of the head and neck are described.

Conclusions:

PENTOCLO was effectively used in the management of our patient and may represent a valuable management option for other patients with ORN of the temporal bone. Further research is required to determine the effectiveness of PENTOCLO.