PENTOCLO for Treatment of Osteoradionecrosis of the Temporal Bone

Objectives: Osteoradionecrosis is a rare but devastating complication of radiation therapy that often requires surgical intervention. The objective of this report is to describe a case of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) of the temporal bone that was managed medically with PENTOCLO (pentoxifylline‐tocopherol‐clodronate). The use of PENTOCLO in the treatment of ORN of other sites in the head and neck will also be described. Methods: We report the case of a patient treated at our institution and present a review of literature. A 52‐year‐old woman presented with ORN of the temporal bone 20 years following radiation therapy for an ipsilateral parotid tumor. The patient had chronic infections and otorrhea. Results: She failed conservative treatment including antibiotic‐steroid ear drops and aural lavage. As an alternative to hyperbaric oxygen and/or temporal bone resection, treatment with PENTOCLO was pursued and her condition improved dramatically. A literature review of ORN of the temporal bone and the use of PENTOCOLO in the management of ORN of other sites of the head and neck are described. Conclusions: PENTOCLO was effectively used in the management of our patient and may represent a valuable management option for other patients with ORN of the temporal bone. Further research is required to determine the effectiveness of PENTOCLO.