Treating Oral Mucositis: New Data on CAPHOSOL Released

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New data show that CAPHOSOL (www.caphosol.com), an advanced electrolyte solution, relieves painful oral mucositis (OM) and improves quality of life for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

One of the two abstracts including this data, ONS Abstract #2757, “Supersaturated Electrolyte Oral Rinse Aids Quality of Life for Head/Neck Chemoradiation Patients” (Haas, ML), was selected by an ONS Expert Panel as one of the Top Ten Best Supportive Care abstracts at the ONS 2008 Congress.

“Oral mucositis is a painful, common side effect experienced by cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation therapy,” commented principal investigator Marilyn L. Haas, PhD, RN, CNS, ANP-C, Nurse Practitioner, Mountain Radiation Oncology, Asheville, N.C. “As layers of epithelial cells in the oral cavity (cells lining the surface of the throat and esophagus) are eroded during therapy, patients often experience severe pain, are more prone to infection and have difficulty eating and swallowing. Our research concludes that CAPHOSOL, a supersaturated electrolyte oral rinse, should be introduced early in the course of cancer therapy for patients at high risk of oral mucositis because it minimizes the onset and severity of symptoms.”

“Considering that most patients with head and neck cancer experience oral mucositis, any improvements in quality of life for these patients is encouraging,” said Dr. Haas. “CAPHOSOL is useful for oncology nurses and other healthcare practitioners in helping patients with oral pain and related symptoms of chemoradiation-induced oral mucositis.”

Oral Mucositis: A Common and Debilitating Condition

Oral complications including mucositis and salivary gland dysfunction are common and often debilitating side effects of cancer therapy. OM is estimated to affect more than 400,000 cancer patients each year. OM affects approximately 40 percent of cancer patients who receive chemotherapy, more than 70 percent of those undergoing conditioning therapy for bone marrow transplantation, and virtually all patients receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.

Oral mucositis usually manifests itself within seven to 14 days after initiation of therapy. Initial signs and symptoms include redness, swelling and ulceration of the mucosa. Oral mucositis can cause mouth pain, xerostomia (dryness of the mouth or throat), difficulty eating and drinking, as well as difficulty with speech; these effects can significantly impact a patient’s weight, mood and physical functioning. Severe ulceration may cause breaks in the mucosa, which can then become susceptible to oral opportunistic infections, possibly resulting in bacteremia (the presence of bacteria in the blood), sepsis (the presence of pathogenic microorganisms in the blood) or other potentially fatal complications. The economic impact of mucositis can be significant, as the need for prolonged hospital stays, nutritional therapy and treatments for pain and infection can drive up the costs of therapy.

About CAPHOSOL

CAPHOSOL is an advanced electrolyte solution indicated in the U.S. as an adjunct to standard oral care in treating OM caused by radiation or high dose chemotherapy. CAPHOSOL, a U.S. patented prescription medical device, is also indicated for dryness of the mouth or throat (hyposalivation, xerostomia), regardless of the cause or whether the conditions are temporary or permanent. Patients restricted to a low sodium diet should consult their physician before use. Patients should avoid eating or drinking at least 15 minutes after use.

As part of its commitment to advancing the treatment and care of cancer patients, Cytogen launched CARE OM� (www.careom.com) a Web-based education and support center for patients and caregivers seeking to learn more about OM and CAPHOSOL. In addition to oral mucositis educational material and support information, visitors to CARE OM can also download an OM brochure or request it by mail. For more information about CAPHOSOL, visit www.caphosol.com or call (800) 833-3533.

Source:
David Avitabile
JFK Communcations

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One Response to “ Treating Oral Mucositis: New Data on CAPHOSOL Released ”

  • Mouthwash for ulcers February 3rd, 2010

    Chemotherapy has many side-effects, one is hair loss and also oral and throat ulcer, Mucositis. It is very painful, it becomes difficult to swallow food. There is no proper cure, but a oral mouthwash has introduced called Caphosol, which is beneficial for mucositis. It has calcium and phosphate which is beneficial for oral health.