Pilepich, M.V., Paulus, R., St. Clair, W., Barasacchio, R.A., Rostock, R., & Miller, R.C. (2006). Phase III study of pentosanpolysulfate (PPS) in treatment of gastrointestinal tract sequelae of radiotherapy. American Journal of Clinical Oncology, 29(2), 132–137.
Patients were randomized to one of three groups. In group one, patients received 100 mg of pentosanpolysulfate (PPS) three times per day. PPS is a glycosaminoglycan marketed as Elmiron® and SP54. It has been used to treat radiation-induced sequelae of the bladder. In group two, patients received 200 mg PPS three times per day. In group three, patients received placebo three times per day. If no improvement occurred in two months, treatment was discontinued. If symptoms improved or resolved, treatment was continued for an additional four months.
No significant differences were found among the three arms of the study.