Abstract:Purpose: The main aim of this research was to identify the role of radio prophylactic and/or mitigating agents and their mechanism of action of Gamma and Delta Tocotrienol in Radiation induced fibrosis (RIF) which is rare late radiation toxicity in patients receiving radical radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients. In this study, we describe the role of Gamma and Delta Tocotrienol in radiation induced fibrosis in head and neck cancer patients. It also up regulates the factors responsible for the apoptosis.
Method: Suitable or eligible patients of head and neck cancer who received radical radiotherapy and having radiation induced fibrosis were included in the study. Gamma and Delta Tocotrienol was given as dosage form for six months. Assessment was done by mouth opening measured by SK Kathaiia et al scoring system and associated symptom measures.
Results: All patients had reported reduction in symptom severities within 3 to 7 days of starting of Gamma and Delta Tocotrienol capsules. Four patients were having mouth opening of one finger after taking Gamma and Delta Tocotrienol for 6 month mouth opening was two fingers. Six patients were having mouth opening of two fingers after taking Gamma and Delta Tocotrienol for 6 month mouth opening was three fingers.
Conclusion: Gamma and Delta Tocotrienol given for six months have significant improvement in mouth opening and subjective improvement of symptoms. Further, a larger randomized study is needed to evaluate role of Gamma and Delta Tocotrienol in these patients. Presently at our center we are doing a randomized prospective controlled study on the same.