I was contacted by McNeil regarding a clinical trial that they currently have ongoing. I thought that the information was valuable enough to post it here on the web site. For those who find it interesting there are links to learn more about it. It goes without saying that all of us that have been through treatment have had to deal with this side effect to some (and sometimes very painful) extent. Clinical trials like these may offer benefit to those in them, and more so help others coming down this path behind us.

Oral Mucositis Can Interrupt Head and Neck Cancer Therapy. New Clinical Trial To Evaluate Medicated Oral Rinse

Radiation therapy, in combination with surgery or chemotherapy, is a frequently recommended treatment for patients with head and neck cancer. Many people tend to focus on getting to the radiation center on a daily basis which can be a tiring and time consuming process. Others may be afraid of possible chemotherapy side effects. Many people are unprepared for one of the most common head and neck cancer therapy side effects involving the mouth area: oral mucositis, also commonly referred to as mouth sores.

Oral mucositis can cause severe discomfort for people who receive radiation therapy. It usually begins with inflammation in the mouth that causes a burning sensation and can progress to very painful, ulcer-like sores. Mucositis has been cited as the most bothersome side effect in patients receiving radiation. These mouth sores can make it difficult to talk, eat, drink, and smile. In addition, severe oral mucositis may force people to temporarily stop their cancer treatment in order to provide time for the sores to heal. The interruption in treatment prevents patients from receiving the full and immediate benefits of the therapy.

Currently, there is no Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drug or therapy to prevent oral mucositis. Many people use over-the-counter medications and mouth rinses to relieve pain; others change their diets to avoid irritating foods. However, these approaches have not been proven to decrease the chance of getting mucositis. In some instances, physicians may prescribe a

Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.