Therapeutic Interventions for Radiation-Induced Fibrosis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review
In brief
Lipotransfer improves neck fibrosis in 97% of head-neck cancer patients
A systematic review of eight small studies found that surgical lipotransfer led to measurable physical improvement in 97% of treated patients, while drugs such as pentoxifylline-tocopherol and pravastatin showed more modest benefits. Because the trials were heterogeneous and often uncontrolled, the true comparative effectiveness of these options remains uncertain.
- Journal
- Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (Q1)
- Published
- 11 September 2026
- Study design
- Systematic review of cohort studies
- Evidence level
- Level 2, Moderate (CEBM 2a)
- Authors
- Pooja D Reddy, Purva Rumde, Vanessa Helou, Mary L Klem, Matthew E Spector, Marci L Nilsen, et al.
- PMID
- 42726929
- DOI
- 10.1002/ohn.70436
Why clinicians should know about it
- Picked for Otorhinolaryngology (top studies of the week, 13 September 2026): Systematic review of therapies for radiation‑induced fibrosis in HNC
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To review and evaluate treatments for radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) following head and neck cancer (HNC) therapy. DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase.com, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. REVIEW METHODS: A systematic review was conducted on the management of HNC RIF using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Descriptive synthesis was conducted to summarize treatment efficacy. RESULTS: After initial screening of 4078 titles and abstracts, 147 full-text articles were reviewed, with eight meeting inclusion criteria. Pharmacological interventions included pentoxifylline-tocopherol, pravastatin, amifostine, and topical superoxide dismutase (SOD). Pentoxifylline-tocopherol, pravastatin, and amifostine demonstrated variable fibrosis improvement rates across studies. In one uncontrolled trial, 83% of patients receiving pentoxifylline-tocopherol achieved ≥50% reduction in measured fibrotic surface area, and pravastatin reduced fibrosis thickness by ≥30% in 35.7% of patients. Procedural interventions included lipotransfer and microcurrent therapy, with lipotransfer associated with physical improvements in 97% of patients (n = 38) and microcurrent therapy enhancing cervical mobility in 92% of patients (n = 26). CONCLUSION: Improvements in HNC fibrosis after current treatments ranged widely across studies; however, substantial heterogeneity in study design and outcome measurement limits definitive conclusions regarding comparative effectiveness.
Abstract as published, via PubMed.
For healthcare professionals. The summary is generated by AI from the published abstract, and the evidence level is assigned automatically from the study design on the Oxford CEBM hierarchy. Neither is medical advice. Read the full paper before changing practice.