Pentoxifylline-tocopherol-clodronate combination: A novel treatment for osteoradionecrosis of the temporal bone

Head Neck. 2015 Dec;37(12):E191-3. doi: 10.1002/hed.24057. Epub 2015 Sep 23.

Abstract

Background: Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the temporal bone is a complication of radiation therapy that is extremely challenging to manage.

Methods: We report the case of a patient treated at our institution and present a review of the literature.

Results: A 52-year-old woman presented with ORN of the temporal bone 20 years after radiation therapy for an ipsilateral parotid tumor. She failed conservative management, including serial debridements, oral and topical antibiotics/antifungals, and aural lavage. As an alternative to hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and/or temporal bone resection, treatment with pentoxifylline-tocopherol-clodronate combination (PENTOCLO) was pursued and her condition improved dramatically.

Conclusion: This is the first document use of PENTOCLO to treat ORN of the temporal bone. PENTOCLO may represent an effective nonsurgical management option for ORN of the temporal bone.

Keywords: osteoradionecrosis; pentoxifylline; pentoxifylline-tocopherol-clodronate combination (PENTOCLO); temporal bone.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Clodronic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Combinations
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Osteoradionecrosis / drug therapy*
  • Osteoradionecrosis / etiology*
  • Parotid Neoplasms / radiotherapy*
  • Pentoxifylline / therapeutic use*
  • Temporal Bone / drug effects*
  • Tocopherols / therapeutic use*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Bone Density Conservation Agents
  • Drug Combinations
  • pentoxifylline-tocopherol-clodronate
  • Clodronic Acid
  • Tocopherols
  • Pentoxifylline