Palliation of radiation-related mucositis.
Oral mucositis associated with head and neck radiotherapy can substantially hinder completion of cancer therapy. Alleviation of this often severe stomatitis can provide enhanced patient comfort and facilitate appropriate care. A double-blind format was used in a pilot project to measure, against a control rinse, the effectiveness of an oral rinse consisting of hydrocortisone, nystatin, tetracycline, and diphenhydramine in controlling radiation-related mucositis. A combination of clinical evaluation and patient responses to a questionnaire was used to judge the results of the topical medications. Patients using the experimental medication developed less mucositis than did patients in the control group.
Rothwell
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Spektor
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D000287:Administration, Topical; D000368:Aged; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004155:Diphenhydramine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000532:radiotherapy; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009061:Mouth Mucosa / Q000528:radiation effects*; D009067:Mouthwashes / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D009761:Nystatin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D010166:Palliative Care; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011897:Random Allocation; D013280:Stomatitis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D013752:Tetracycline / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D009067:Mouthwashes; D009761:Nystatin; D004155:Diphenhydramine; D013752:Tetracycline; D006854:Hydrocortisone