Hi all

I was hoping for some advice on the long term use of Pentoxifylline & Vit E for the treatment of severe trismus caused by radiotherapy (RT). My father had an operation to remove the cancer from his mouth, and although this was 100% successful he went ahead with a course of RT by way of insurance, but the RT has caused scarring in the mouth and he now suffers severe trismus and is unable to have dentures fitted as there simply isn't the room for movement in his jaw. I found out about the Therabite from this website and we have been able to get him one, which he uses on a daily basis. But it was only three months after RT that he started using this and there hasn't been a tremendous amount of improvement. I believe there is an operation he can have, but have been advised that the trismus can often come back even worse than Pre Op so this not a route he is willing to take the gamble on. I have been researching on the internet, and come across a number of studies based on the use of Pentoxifylline & Vit E on a long term (3yr) basis and wonder if this is available in the UK, as it is something that my father wants to try. We felt we had hit a brick wall but coming across this information on Pentoxifylline & Vit E has really given us some light at the end of the tunnel. Does anyone know anyone using this or whether it is available in the UK or privately? I thank you now for your assistance in our journey. Miss Jones

Hello Miss Jones

There appears to have been only a 'A pilot study of pentoxifylline in the treatment of radiation-induced trismus.' Did you speak to your GP or oncologist about trying this. Drugs can be made available by GPs on the NHS for their patients if they believe it would help.

Best wishes
Vinod