A Phase II/III Study Comparing Acupuncture-like Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (ALTENS) Versus Pilocarpine in Treating Early Radiation-Induced Xerostomia

RATIONALE: Acupuncture-like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ALTENS) and pilocarpine may help to relieve chronic xerostomia (dry mouth). It is not yet known which remedy is more effective in treating chronic dry mouth caused by radiation therapy in patients with head and neck cancer. PURPOSE: This randomized phase II/III trial is studying ALTENS to see how well it works compared with pilocarpine in treating chronic dry mouth caused by radiation therapy in patients with head and neck cancer.