Epstein JB, Silverman S, Paggiarino DA, Crockett S, Schubert MM, Senzer NN, Lockhart PB, Gallagher MJ, Peterson DE, Leveque FG. Benzydamine HCl for prophylaxis of radiation-induced oral mucositis: results from a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
Cancer 2001;
92:875-85. [PMID:
11550161 DOI:
10.1002/1097-0142(20010815)92:4<875::aid-cncr1396>3.0.co;2-1]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 168] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Benzydamine was evaluated in patients with head and neck carcinoma for treatment of radiation-induced oral mucositis, a frequent complication of radiation therapy (RT) for which there is no predictable therapy or preventive treatment currently available.
METHODS
The safety and efficacy of 0.15% benzydamine oral rinse in preventing or decreasing erythema, ulceration, and pain associated with oral mucositis during RT were evaluated in a randomized, placebo-controlled trial conducted in patients with head and neck carcinoma. Subjects were to rinse with 15 mL for 2 minutes, 4-8 times daily before and during RT, and for 2 weeks after completion of RT; study evaluations were conducted before RT and routinely thereafter up to 3 weeks after RT.
RESULTS
During conventional RT, regimens up to cumulative doses of 5000 centigrays (cGy) benzydamine (n = 69) significantly (P = 0.006) reduced erythema and ulceration by approximately 30% compared with the placebo (n = 76); greater than 33% of benzydamine subjects remained ulcer free compared with 18% of placebo subjects (P = 0.037), and benzydamine significantly delayed the use of systemic analgesics compared with placebo (P < 0.05). Benzydamine was not effective in subjects (n = 20) receiving accelerated RT doses (> or = 220 cGy/day). The incidence of adverse events between treatment groups was comparable without significant differences. Early discontinuation because of adverse events occurred in 6% of benzydamine subjects and 5% of placebo subjects, and there was 1 death (related to the primary diagnosis) in a placebo subject.
CONCLUSIONS
Benzydamine oral rinse was effective, safe, and well tolerated for prophylactic treatment of radiation-induced oral mucositis.
Collapse