Management of Adverse Effects of Radiotherapy - Related Resources

Cochrane reviews

• Cryotherapy with ice may be effective for radiation-induced oral mucositis. Prevention and Treatment of Chemotherapy- and Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis
• Low level laser treatment seems to be beneficial in reducing the severity of mucositis, although the evidence is insufficient on interventions for oral mucocitis in patients receiving treatment for cancer Interventions for Oral Mucositis in Patients Receiving Treatment for Cancer.
• Topical oestrogens and benzydamine may be effective in the treatment of acute radiation vaginal changes Interventions for Sexual Dysfunction in Women Following Pelvic Radiotherapy.
• Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may improve the outcomes in the treatment of radiation injuries of the head, neck, anus and rectum. It also appears to reduce the chance of osteoradionecrosis following tooth extraction in an irradiated fieldHyperbaric Oxygen Therapy for Late Radiation Tissue Injury.
• Oral pilocarpine appears to alleviate the symptoms of radiation-induced salivary gland dysfunction. Adverse effects are dose dependant therefore it is important to keep dose to 5 mg three times daily Oral Pilocarpine for the Treatment of Salivary Gland Dysfunction Due to Radiotherapy.
• Exercise may have some benefit in the management of fatigue both during and after cancer treatment Exercise for the Management of Cancer-Related Fatigue in Adults.
• Psychosocial interventions during cancer treatment may be effective in reducing fatigue Psychosocial Interventions for Reducing Fatigue during Cancer Treatment.
• Amifostine appears not to have significant radioprotective effects on salivary glands in high-dose radioactive iodine treated differentiated thyroid cancer patients Amifostine for Salivary Glands in High-Dose Radioactive Iodine Treated Differentiated Thyroid Cancer.