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1.
A randomised trial of topical polaprezinc to prevent oral mucositis in patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ToPaZ study)
Nakagaki, M., Kennedy, G. A., Gavin, N. C., Butler, J., Clavarino, A., Whitfield, K.
Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer. 2023;32(1):44
Abstract
PURPOSE Oral mucositis (OM) is a common complication in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Polaprezinc, an anti-ulcer drug, has been shown to be effective to prevent OM in several studies when administered topically and systemically. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of topical polaprezinc in patients undergoing HSCT. METHODS This was an open-label randomised clinical trial comparing polaprezinc and sodium bicarbonate mouthwashes for the prevention of severe OM in HSCT patients. Adult patients who received conditioning regimens at moderate to high risk of developing OM were included. The primary endpoint was the incidence of severe (WHO grades 3-4) OM. The secondary endpoints included duration of grades 3-4 OM, incidence and duration of grades 2-4 OM, patient-reported pain and functional limitations. RESULTS In total, 108 patients (55 test arm and 53 control arm) were randomised. There was no difference in the incidence of grades 3 to 4 OM (35% test arm versus 36% control arm). The secondary endpoints were not significantly different. In both arms, patients reported more throat pain compared to mouth pain. CONCLUSIONS Topical polaprezinc had no effect in the prevention of OM in HSCT patients. Further research is required to evaluate the effects of systemic polaprezinc. The OM assessment tool needs to be reviewed as throat mucositis was a main issue in this study. TRIAL REGISTRATION ACTRN12320001188921 (Date Registered: 10th November 2020).
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2.
Low-Level Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Oral Mucositis Induced by Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis
Franco, R., Lupi, E., Iacomino, E., Galeotti, A., Capogreco, M., Santos, J. M. M., D'Amario, M.
Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania). 2023;59(8)
Abstract
Oral mucositis is a common and debilitating side effect induced by stem cell transplantation that is experienced by cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy. This condition involves inflammation and ulceration of the oral mucosa, leading to pain, difficulty with eating and speaking, and an increased risk of infections. Mucositis not only compromises the quality of life for cancer patients, but also affects treatment outcomes and may necessitate dose reductions or treatment delays. This scientific article provides a comprehensive overview of mucositis. The purpose of this literature review with a meta-analysis is to evaluate the efficacy of laser therapy in treating post-transplant mucositis. Materials and methods: A search of the literature from 3 May 2023 was carried out on three online databases, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Only studies that treated patients with laser therapy were considered; only studies with the placebo-treated control group were considered. Review Manager version 5.2.8 (Cochrane Collaboration) was used for the pooled analysis. We measured the std. mean difference between the two groups (laser and placebo). Results: There were 230 papers included in this review. Two hundred twenty-seven were excluded. Furthermore, a manual search was performed. After the search phase, three articles were considered in the study. The overall effect showed differences in the degree of mucositis in the laser-treated patients compared with the placebo group. The meta-analysis shows a reduction in the degree of mucositis in the patients treated with laser therapy (std. mean difference -1.34 [-1.98; -0.98]; C.I. 95%). Conclusions: The application of laser therapy results in decreased severity of oral mucositis from radiation and chemotherapy. Our study shows that the application of low-level laser therapy in the treatment of transplant mucositis has excellent efficacy in relieving the symptoms and severity of mucositis.
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3.
The Effect of Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) on Early Complications and Graft-Versus-Host Disease (GVHD) in Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation (ASCT) Recipients
Aydın Kaynar, L., Özkurt, Z. N.
Cureus. 2023;15(9):e46105
Abstract
Objectives Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) is commonly used to accelerate neutrophil recovery after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) in most transplant centers. There was no consensus on the optimal use of G-CSF after ASCT. Although we use G-CSF to minimize morbidity and mortality, G-CSF can increase the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). In our study, we want to show the effect of prophylactic G-CSF on infection frequency, neutrophil and platelet engraftment, the duration of neutropenia, the development of GVHD, hospitalization time, and transplant-related mortality (TRM) after ASCT. Materials and methods One hundred (71 males and 29 females) patients who did not receive G-CSF and 100 (58 males and 42 females) patients who received prophylactic G-CSF were included in the study. Results Age, diagnosis, the time between diagnosis and transplantation, preparation regimen, donor type, and the number of infused cluster of differentiation (CD) 34+ cells were not different in both groups (p>0.05). The frequency of female patients was higher in the group receiving G-CSF. Febrile neutropenia was more frequent in patients who did not receive G-CSF. Neutrophil engraftment and platelet engraftment were detected longer in patients not receiving G-CSF. The frequency of veno-occlusive disease (VOD) and hyperacute, chronic, and acute GVHD was not different in both groups (p>0.05). One hundred-day TRM and five-year overall survival (OS) were similar in the two groups (p>0.05). Conclusions Our study supports that G-CSF usage does not cause an increase in the frequency of GVHD and has a positive effect on the process by accelerating myeloid engraftment. In light of the data in our study, we can say that the use of G-CSF should be investigated in a randomized controlled clinical trial.
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4.
Investigation of oral and general health status and IL-1β gene polymorphism as risk factors for oral mucositis in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation patients
Curra, M., Baldin, Jjcmc, Martins, M. A. T., Schuch, L. F., Carvalho, Alsh, Gaio, E. J., Rösing, C. K., Bittencourt, R. I., Gregianin, L. J., Paz, A. A., et al
Brazilian oral research. 2022;36:e016
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to analyze the relationship of OM with possible risk factors such as oral health condition, immunological status and IL-1β profile in patients submitted to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Fifty-four individuals submitted to HSCT were included. All patients received previous dental treatment and photobiomodulation (PBM) as the institutional OM preventive protocol. OM scores, immune status, and IL-1β levels were determined during the conditioning period and at D+3 and D+8 after HSC infusion. IL-1β gene polymorphism was also analyzed during conditioning. Possible associations of OM with risk factors were analyzed using conditional Fisher's exact test. OM was observed in 34 patients (62.9%) classified as Grade 1 (13 patients/24.1%), Grade 2 (14 patients/25.9%), Grade 3 (3 patients/5.5%), and Grade 4 (4 patients/7.4%). Allogeneic HSCT individuals exhibited a higher OM grade than autologous subjects. Moreover, an association was observed between severe OM and severe gingivitis (p = 0.01), neutropenia (p = 0.03), and leukopenia (p = 0.04). A significant association between OM and lower IL-1β levels was detected at three time points, i.e., conditioning (p = 0.048), D+3 (p = 0.01), and D+8 (p = 0.005). The results showed that IL-1β gene polymorphism was not associated with OM. Our study provided important insights into the scope of OM risk factors in the setting of HSCT. Patients submitted to HSCT with severe gingivitis prior to chemotherapy and with severe neutropenia and leukopenia exhibited a higher OM grade. Further investigation will be necessary to better understand the exact role of IL-1β in the context of OM pathobiology and to validate cytokine analysis in larger cohorts.
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5.
Use of a buprenorphine-based pain management protocol is associated with reduced opioid requirements and pain on swallowing in oral mucositis: a retrospective cohort study
Meyer, I., Chan, B., Cohen, E., Dube, E., Hu, R., Yeomans, M., Pontonio, F., Heldreich, C., O'Conghaile, S., Holmes, N., et al
Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer. 2022
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study is to ascertain the analgesic efficacy and total oral morphine equivalent daily dose (OMEDD) effect of a buprenorphine-based analgesic protocol in the treatment of severe Oral Mucositis (OM). DESIGN This is a retrospective cohort study. SETTING This study was done in a single Quaternary Referral Centre, Haematology Unit. SUBJECTS Fifty-four stem cell transplant patients suffering at least grade 3 oral mucositis (OM), 24 prior to [Pr-I] and 30 subsequent to [Po-I] a buprenorphine-based OM analgesic protocol. METHODS We analysed data from the above subjects with the primary outcome measure of difference in total OMEDDs from all opioid types and administration routes, and secondary outcome measures of area under the curve (AUC) of 11-point Numerical Rating Scale (NRS-11) pain assessments, sedation scores and respiratory rate. RESULTS Post-protocol patients' total OMEDD requirements were significantly reduced [Pr-I: 1961 (1365)mg; Po-I: 928 (625)mg, p = 0.02], as were total NRS-11:hours AUC on swallowing [Pr-I: 54(24) score-hours; Po-I: 41(18) score-hours, p < 0.001]. There were no significant differences in objective measures of OM severity between groups (Number of Grade 3 or 4 OM severity assessments [mean (SD)] Pr-I: 5 (6.2); Po-I: 7 (5.1) or number of days Neutrophil count 0.0 or 0.1 × 10(9)/L; Pr-I: 13 (5.4); Po-I: 15 (4.7)). 5 Pr-I and 4 Po-I patients required ketamine infusions, with 1 Pr-I patient also requiring IV lignocaine. CONCLUSIONS Use of Buprenorphine via transdermal, sublingual and intravenous Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA) delivery as part of an analgesic protocol for severe post stem cell transplant oral mucositis in adult patients appears to significantly reduce opioid requirements and pain on swallowing. Further randomised prospective work is required to confirm these associations.
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6.
Low-Level Laser Therapy: A Literature Review of the Prevention and Reduction of Oral Mucositis in Patients Undergoing Stem Cell Transplantation
Biala, M.
Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing. 2022;26(3):293-299
Abstract
BACKGROUND Oral mucositis (OM) is a highly debilitating complication of high-dose chemotherapy and total body irradiation used in conditioning regimens for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Research has studied low-level laser therapy (LLLT) as an alternative treatment for OM because of its anti-inflammatory activity, biomodulation, and analgesic effects. OBJECTIVES This study reviews evidence on the effectiveness of LLLT using diode lasers on the prevention and reduction in severity of OM in patients with cancer undergoing HSCT. METHODS A literature search was performed in PubMed®, CINAHL®, Scopus®, and MEDLINE® databases. Six randomized controlled trials and one cohort study met the inclusion criteria. FINDINGS The data demonstrate promising outcomes for reducing the incidence and severity of OM using LLLT. Larger, tightly controlled clinical trials are needed in the future.
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7.
Management of oral mucositis in children
Alqahtani, S. S., Khan, S. D.
European Review for Medical and Pharmacological Sciences. 2022;26(5):1648-1657
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Children undergoing chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may suffer from Oral mucositis. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to find the protocols which are used in the management of oral mucositis (OM) in children. MATERIALS AND METHODS A search was performed to find the related studies. After reading the searched articles, 15 studies were selected for this review. RESULTS Good oral care, glutamine, some biological agents, and laser therapy, had a significant effect to reduce the pain sensation and occurrence of oral mucositis in children. CONCLUSIONS It has been concluded that there are many types of management, such as oral care and laser therapy, which can be used to reduce the severity of oral mucositis.
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8.
Pain, Fatigue, Nausea, and Vomiting as the Predictors of Anxiety in Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: A Prospective Cohort Study
Pasyar, N., Rambod, M., Zahedi, F., Ramzi, M.
Supportive care in cancer : official journal of the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer. 2022;:1-9
Abstract
The primary outcome was to assess the correlation between anxiety and pain, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. The secondary outcome was to determine the predictive roles of pain, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting in anxiety among patients undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT). The present prospective cohort study was conducted on 200 patients treated by HSCT referred to the centers affiliated to Shiraz University of Medical Sciences. The data were collected using Spielberger Anxiety Questionnaire, Numerical Pain Scale, Brief Fatigue Inventory, and Rhodes Nausea and Vomiting Index. The data were analyzed using Spearman's test and multiple regression analysis. The means of state anxiety, trait anxiety, pain, fatigue, and nausea, vomiting, and retching were 41.67 (SD = 9.71), 43.78 (SD = 9.00), 3.79 (SD = 2.79), 4.23 (SD = 2.48), and 6.31 (SD = 7.53), respectively. The results showed that the participants with higher pain and fatigue scores had higher anxiety levels. Those with more nausea and vomiting had higher anxiety levels, as well. This indicated that fatigue, pain, severity and frequency of nausea, and type of HSCT were the predictors of trait anxiety. The results also showed the predictor role of pain, fatigue, and type of HSCT in state anxiety. The findings revealed a correlation between anxiety and pain, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting among the HSCT patients. The results also showed fatigue and pain as the predictors of anxiety among these patients. Yet, future studies are recommended to determine the other factors contributing to anxiety amongst HSCT patients.
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9.
Oral Mucositis Association with Periodontal Status: A Retrospective Analysis of 496 Patients Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
Radochová, V., Šembera, M., Slezák, R., Heneberk, O., Radocha, J.
Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2021;10(24)
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can induce serious oral complications, including oral mucositis (OM). The presence of periodontal inflammation before HSCT is believed to be associated with OM. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence and severity of OM in patients undergoing HSCT and its relation to periodontal status. PATIENTS AND METHODS This is a retrospective study of patients who underwent HSCT and a detailed dental examination between 2007 and 2015. The dental and periodontal status of all patients was evaluated by clinical and radiographic examination prior to HSCT. Oral health was assessed with the gingival index, the the community periodontal index, presence of plaque-related gingivitis, and marginal periodontitis. During the HSCT period, patients were examined daily for the presence of OM, which was graded according to World Health Organization (WHO) classification if present. The patients were assigned to the groups according to type of transplantation: autologous HSCT, myeloablative allogeneic HSCT, and non-myeloablative allogeneic HSCT. RESULTS A total of 496 patients were included in the study. OM was present in 314 of 496 patients (63.3%): 184/251 (73.3%) in the autologous group, 100/151 (66.2%) in the myeloablative allogeneic group, and 30/94 (31.9%) in the nonmyeloablative allogeneic group. Significantly more patients suffered from OM in the autologous and myeloablative groups versus the nonmyeloablative conditioning group (p < 0.001). The presence of periodontal inflammation did not significantly differ among the groups. There was only a borderline trend for the higher prevalence of OM in the non-myeloablative allogeneic nonmyeloablative group when periodontal inflammation was present (0.073939). CONCLUSIONS Oral mucositis prevalence and severity after stem cell transplantation is not widely affected by the oral hygiene and periodontal disease presence before HSCT. We confirmed the wide-known connection of the conditioning regimen intensity to the prevalence of OM.
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10.
Bleeding frequency during physiotherapy in thrombocytopenic patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Grencheski, E. A., Kochi, M. N., Politi, F. V. A., Santos, T. M. D., Brito, C. M. M., Yamaguti, W. P., Righetti, R. F.
PloS one. 2021;16(7):e0255413
Abstract
BACKGROUND During hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) the patients perform activities of low and moderate intensity because have reduced hematological lineages, leaving them susceptible to hemorrhagic events. The objective of this study was to describe the frequency of bleeding events, severity, and possible association with physical exercise in thrombocytopenic patients. METHODS A retrospective study with seventy-seven HSCT patients hospitalised, that had a platelet count = 50,000 /µL and received physical exercise during physiotherapy intervention. RESULTS Regarding bleeding events, only six were related to physical exercise, and bleeding events occurred more frequently at platelet levels = 10,000 /µL. The most frequent bleeding event was epistaxis, considered of low severity, and with the moderate possibility of being related to physical exercise; followed by extremity hematoma, considered of medium severity and highly related to physical exercise. In this study, there was no occurrence of bleeding events considered of high severity. CONCLUSION Bleeding frequency in supervised physical exercise during physiotherapy in adults with thrombocytopenia undergoing HSCT is minor and relatively rare but occurs more frequently in patients with platelet count =10,000 /µL. These results encourage the maintenance of physical activity in this population who is at high risk of developing immobility-related complications.