Radiation-induced mucositis: A randomized clinical trial of micronized sucralfate versus salt & soda mouthwashes

Oral mucositis is one of the major toxicities caused by radiation therapy (RT) treatments to the head and neck. The clinical efficacy of sucralfate (Carafate R) Mouthwash for head and neck cancer patients (HNC) is not consistent across studies. In this study, it vas hypothesized that if the particles in the original sucralfate suspension were micronized (i.e., less than or equal to 25 microns) then the coating action of the mouthwash in the oral cavity would be enhanced. The purpose of this pilot study was to compare the efficacy of micronized sucralfate (Carafate R) mouthwash and salt & soda mouthwash in terms of the severity of the mucositis. the severity of mucositis-related pain, and the time required to heal RT-induced mucositis in patients with HNC. Severe mucositis and related pain can interfere with the ingestion of food and fluids, so patients' body weights were measured as well. All patients in this randomized clinical trial carried out a systematic oral hygiene protocol called the PRO-SELF: Mouth A arc (PSMA) Program. Patients who developed RT-induced mucositis an time during their course of RT were randomized to one of the two mouth ashes and followed to the completion of RT and at one month following RT. Two referral sites were used for the Stud Repeated measures occurred with the following instruments/variables: MacDibbs Mouth Assessment and freight. Demographic. disease, and cancer treatment information as also obtained, Thirty patients successfully completed the studs.