April 22 (HealthDay News) -- Acupuncture reduces severe dry mouth (xerostomia) among patients receiving radiation for head and neck cancer, a small pilot study suggests.

"The quality of life in patients with radiation-induced xerostomia is profoundly impaired," study senior author Mark S. Chambers, a professor in the dental oncology department at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, said in a news release from the center. "Symptoms can include altered taste acuity, dental decay, infections of the tissues of the mouth, and difficulty with speaking, eating and swallowing. Conventional treatments have been less than optimal, providing short-term response at best."

This study included 19 patients with xerostomia who'd completed radiation therapy at least four weeks earlier. They were given two acupuncture treatments a week for four weeks. Acupuncture points used in the treatment were located on the ears, chin, index finger, forearm and lateral surface of the leg.

The acupuncture treatments resulted in improvements in physical well-being and xerostomia symptoms, the researchers said.

"Although the patient population was small, the positive results are encouraging and warrant a larger trial to assess patients over a longer period of time," Chambers said.

The study was published online in the journal Head & Neck.

The researchers are planning a phase 3, placebo-controlled clinical trial.

SOURCE: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, news release, April 20, 2009