In a nutshell
This study looked at how effective erythropoietin mouthwash was at preventing oral mucositis in cancer patients being treated with autologous stem cell transplantation. The study concluded that rinsing with erythropoietin mouthwash can prevent oral mucositis.
Some background
Oral mucositis (OM) is a complication associated with receiving high dose chemotherapy. High dose chemotherapy is given to patients before they receive an autologous stem cell transplantation (auto-SCT; using stem cells from the patient’s own body). OM usually causes painful ulcers in patient’s mouths. OM also increases the risk of infection and can lead to longer hospitalizations. Currently, patients with OM are given supportive care.
Erythropoietin (EPO) can possibly prevent OM. EPO is an anti-inflammatory. It can also have wound-healing properties. More research is needed to determine if EPO can be used to prevent OM.
Methods & findings
80 patients participated in this study. Patients were to undergo auto-SCT for Hodgkin's lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or multiple myeloma. 40 were randomized to rinse with EPO mouthwash. Patients rinsed with 15 mL 4 times per day. 40 patients were randomized to rinse with a placebo. Patients rinsed everyday starting on the first day of chemotherapy and finishing 14 days after auto-SCT.
Patients rinsing with EPO mouthwash had significantly lower rates of OM (27.5%) compared to patients rinsing with the placebo (77.5%). The intensity of OM was significantly reduced in the EPO group. The average intensity score was 0.47 in the EPO group compared to 1.28 in the placebo group. The average length of time patients had OM was significantly shorter in the EPO group (1.92 days) compared to the placebo group (5.42 days).
The bottom line
The authors concluded that rinsing with EPO mouthwash can significantly reduce the occurrence, duration, and intensity of oral mucositis in patients receiving autologous stem cell transplantation.
Published By :
Hematological Oncology
Date :
Mar 01, 2017
