Salivary stimulation is aimed at preventing functional loss of salivary gland activity. Stimulation can be done mechanically, using chewing gum like stimulation, pharmacologically, or electrically using a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Salivery stimulation has been studied in patients with cancer for effects on oral mucositis.
Saline is a solution of sodium chloride in water, and it can be used for multiple purposes including intravenous infusions, nasal irrigation, eye drops, and wound cleaning. Several formulations of saline are available with added ingredients including Lactated Ringer's solution and Acetated Ringer's solution.
Pycnogenol is an extract of pinus pinaster bark. It is believed to interfere with inflammation. This extract was studied for its effect on oral mucositis in patients with cancer.
Vitamin B6, pyridoxine, helps the body break down protein and maintain the health of red blood cells, the nervous system, and parts of the immune system. Pyridoxine is found in fish, liver, pork, chicken, potatoes, wheat germ, bananas, and dried beans. This vitamin comes in regular and extended-release (long-acting) tablets. Pyridoxine has been used as an intervention for skin reactions in patients with cancer.
Psyllium is a specific form of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber has been used to treat diarrhea because of its ability to absorb fluid and increase the weight of stools.
Psychotherapy involves a variety of approaches for structured therapeutic interaction between a trained professional and the client addressing problems that are psychological in nature.
Psilocybin is a naturally occurring psychedelic compound found in various species of mushrooms. Psilocybin is rapidly metabolized to psilocin, which is a potent agonist at serotonin receptor activation, directly correlated with human hallucinogenic activity. It has been examined in the treatment of anxiety in patients with advanced stage cancer.
Prucalopride is a selective, high-affinity 5-HT4 agonist that targets impaired motility in the gastrointestinal tract. This drug has been examined for the treatment of constipation.
Provider communication skill training is an approach in which the healthcare professional who provides services to the patient is trained to improve communication skills. Improved communication with the patient is proposed to have a positive effect on the patient’s symptoms and outcomes. Improved provider communication skills may improve assessment of the patient and the provider’s ability to facilitate effective communication by the patient, thereby enhancing symptom management.
Propolis, or bee glue, is a resin-like material made by bees to coat the inside of the hive. Propolis is derived from the buds of poplar and cone-bearing toma trees and is believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Propolis has been studied in patients with cancer for treatment of mucositis.