Title	Unclear If Administration of Amifostine Reduces the Symptoms of Xerostomia Following Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer
Clinical Question	In a patient experiencing xerostomia as a result of head and neck cancer treatment, does a radio protective drug such as amifostine, as compared to no treatment, effectively reduce the signs and symptoms of xerostomia perceived by the patient?
Clinical Bottom Line	Based on the available evidence, it is still unclear whether the use of amifostine during head and neck cancer treatment is effective in reducing xerostomia symptoms perceived by the patient. The available evidence seems inconclusive and more research is required.
Best Evidence
PubMed ID Author / Year Patient Group Study type (level of evidence) 19634161 Haddad/2009 58 patients undergoing chemotherapy to the head and neck RCT Key results Two groups of treatment, one with amifostine administration, the other without. No reported difference of salivary output between the two groups.
Evidence Search	("Amifostine"[Mesh]) AND "Xerostomia"[Mesh]
Comments on The Evidence	This was a randomized controlled trial in which the patients all had stage III or IV squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck region. A double-blind was not indicated in the article. The trial was intended to have a sample size of 80, however it was discontinued before this goal was reached, so an 80% completion rate was not achieved. Two groups were divided for the trial, one receiving amifostine and the other without. Of the samples completed, adequate follow-up was achieved and patient compliance was adequate. There appeared to be no recall bias and there were no apparent competing interests.
Applicability	Any practitioner advising a patient anticipating treatment for head and neck cancer can use this information to advise on potential options during their treatment.
Specialty	(Oral Medicine/Pathology/Radiology) (General Dentistry) (Oral Surgery) (Dental Hygiene)
Keywords	amifostine, saliva, head and neck cancer treatment
ID#	2382
Date of submission	03/07/2013
E-mail	rathke@livemail.uthscsa.edu
Author	Bryan Rathke
Co-author(s)
Co-author(s) e-mail
Faculty mentor	David Cox, DDS
Faculty mentor e-mail	CoxD@uthscsa.edu
Basic Science Rationale (Mechanisms that may account for and/or explain the clinical question, i.e. is the answer to the clinical question consistent with basic biological, physical and/or behavioral science principles, laws and research?) None available
Comments and Evidence-Based Updates on the CAT (FOR PRACTICING DENTISTS', FACULTY, RESIDENTS and/or STUDENTS COMMENTS ON PUBLISHED CATs) None available