Preventing oral mucositis in patients with cancer
Investigators have examined whether a topical agent could help prevent the development of oral mucositis in patients undergoing cancer therapy.
In a systematic review and network meta-analysis published in Oral Diseases, the investigators used PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and the Cochrane Database to identify 30 studies assessing outcomes in a total of 2,564 adult patients undergoing cancer therapy for solid tumors. The patients received either one of 19 topical agents — including mouthwash, gel or topical formulations — standard therapy or placebo to prevent or reduce the severity of oral mucositis.
Among the topical treatments, 13 of them did not demonstrate effectiveness in preventing oral mucositis. However, topical sucralfate was found to be the most effective at preventing oral mucositis following cancer therapy. Topical sucralfate was reported to have cytoprotective effects. Further, the treatment is simple to self-administer and is not associated with significant adverse effects.
The investigators suggested that sucralfate mouthwash may benefit patients at risk of developing cancer therapy-induced oral mucositis. They hope their findings can encourage the more widespread use of topical sucralfate in patients undergoing cancer therapy.
Read more: Oral Diseases
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