Gujral, M. S., Patnaik, P. M., Kaul, R., Parikh, H. K., Conradt, C., Tamhankar, C. P., & Daftary, G. V. (2001). Efficacy of hydrolytic enzymes in preventing radiation therapy-induced side effects in patients with head and neck cancers. Cancer Chemotherapy and Pharmacology, 47, S23–S28.
To determine the effect of oral proteolytic enzymes for prevention of acute side effects in patients with head and neck cancer.
Patients were randomly assigned to the control or experimental group.
The enzymes taken were a combination of papain 100 mg, trypsin 40 mg, and chymotrypsin 40 mg (MUCOS Pharma). Patients took three tablets, three times per day, three days prior to start of radiation therapy (RT), and up to five days after completion.
Mucositis, skin reaction, and dysphagia were graded at each visit during and after RT. Scoring was done at baseline, weekly, and five to six months following treatment.
The study was a prospective, randomized, open-label trial.
Oral proteolytic enzymes may be helpful in reducing the severity of radiodermatitis.