Management of osteoradionecrosis of the jaws with pentoxifylline–tocopherol: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the jaws remains among the most commonly encountered and challenging complications of radiotherapy to the head and neck. The purpose of this study was to provide a review of the medical management for ORN and evaluate the reported outcomes with the use of pentoxifylline and tocopherol (PENTO), by means of a systematic review and meta-analysis. The predictor variable was the use of PENTO in the treatment of ORN. The outcome variable was the proportion of full recovery or significant improvement not requiring further intervention. The likelihood function was used to combine the studies and estimate the proportion and standard deviation of each outcome by the maximum likelihood estimation. Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. A total 211 patients were treated. One hundred twenty-six patients recovered fully or improved significantly not requiring further intervention. Sixty patients remained the same, 10 were lost to follow-up, and the disease progressed in 15. The current literature supports the use of PENTO in the treatment of ORN of the jaws. Additional well-designed prospective studies are needed in order to further validate the regimen that can then be employed in the treatment of ORN.