Category: Cancer (Oncology), HIC#13990
Title:
A Phase II/III Study Comparing Acupuncture-like Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (ALTENS) Versus Pilocarpine in Treating Early Radiation-Induced Xerostomia (RTOG 0537)
Contact:Katie Sullivan
Phone:(434)243-7231
E-mail:kls8d@virginia.edu

UVa Health System, Department of Radiation Oncology seeks men and non-pregnant women, age 18 or older, who have completed radiotherapy for head and neck cancer and who are suffering from severe dry mouth, for a research study.

The purpose of this study is to find out what effects, good and/or bed ALTENS therapy (Acupuncture-Like Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) has on patients treated for head and neck cancer and dry mouth. ALTENS therapy is like acupuncture treatment, but the acupuncture points are stimulated with mild electrical stimulation without the use of needles. Currently, ALTENS therapy is not a standard treatment for radiation-induced dry mouth and is considered investigational. The ALTENS therapy will be given with a machine called a Codetron®. Although this machine has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of dry mouth, it has been approved by the FDA for managing certain types of pain.

Contact Information:
For more information please contact:
" Katie L. Sullivan, MSW, CCRC
" 434-243-7231, kls8d@virginia.edu
" Insert IRB-HSR # 13990

Principal Investigator: Paul Read, MD

Primary Investigator: Read Paul, W
Department: Radiation Oncology
Accepts adult enrollment :YES
Accepts minor enrollment :NO