Pettit, L., Sanghera, P., Glaholm, J., & Hartley, A. (2014). The use of MuGard™, Caphosol® and Episil® in patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy for squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck. Journal of Radiotherapy in Practice, 13(2), 218–225.
To record mucositis and dysphagia toxicity and level of anesthesia for patients receiving MuGard, Caphosol, or Episil in comparison to standard care
Patients undergoing concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy for locally advanced head and neck cancer were audited for eight weeks during treatment. Patients were sequentially given either the standard oral care regimen of aspirin, glycerin, and sucralfate and Gelclair® or one of the other products. Patients were assessed weekly during four weeks of radiotherapy and for four weeks after completion. All patients received the same protocol approach for analgesia.
PHASE OF CARE: Active antitumor treatment
Observational
Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v3
No differences were seen between groups in average grade of dysphagia or analgesia use. No differences were seen between those receiving radiotherapy with intensity-modulated radiation therapy or conformal radiotherapy.
This study had numerous design limitations and provides little supportive evidence for any of the approaches used for prevention and management of oral mucositis or associated pain.