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

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.