Prophylactic bundle for radiation-induced oral mucositis in oral or oropharyngeal cancer patients

Abstract

Objective: In order to prevent and treat radiation-induced adverse events, especially oral mucositis, in patients with oral or oropharyngeal cancer receiving radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy, a prophylactic bundle, i.e., a set of oral care management procedures, is conducted and assessed. Subjects and methods: The subjects were 30 patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity or oropharynx who underwent radiotherapy. The patients received the prophylactic bundle to prevent radiation-induced oral mucositis during radiotherapy. Results: Severe oral mucositis, grade 3, was observed in 5 of 30 patients (17%). The occurrence of oral mucositis was lower than in previous reports. The prophylactic bundle included the use of spacers, administration of pilocarpine hydrochloride, appropriate oral care, and use of steroid ointment during radiotherapy. Conclusions: This preliminary study suggests that the prophylactic bundle, when performed in oral or oropharyngeal cancer patients, decreases severe radiation-induced oral mucositis. Further evaluation is needed in multi-centre, prospective, randomized trials.