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Randomized trial of a chlorhexidine mouthwash for alleviation of radiation-induced mucositis
R L Foote1, C L Loprinzi, A R Frank
1Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905.
Purpose:
To determine whether a chlorhexidine mouthwash could alleviate radiation-induced oral mucositis.
Patients And Methods:
Patients scheduled to receive radiation therapy to include greater than one third of the oral cavity mucosa were selected for study. Following stratification, they were randomized in a double-blind manner to receive a chlorhexidine mouthwash or a placebo mouthwash. Both groups were then similarly evaluated for mucositis and mouthwash toxicity.
Results:
Twenty-five patients were randomized to receive the chlorhexidine mouthwash, while 27 received the placebo mouthwash. Treatment arms were well balanced. There was a trend for more mucositis and there was substantially more toxicity (eg, mouthwash-induced discomfort, taste alteration, and teeth staining) on the chlorhexidine arm.
Conclusion:
In contrast to the prestudy hypothesis that a chlorhexidine mouthwash might provide benefit for patients receiving radiation therapy to the oral mucosa, this study provides strong evidence suggesting that a chlorhexidine mouthwash is detrimental in this clinical situation.