SUCRALFATE PROPHYLAXIS OF FLUOROURACIL-INDUCED STOMATITIS

Aims and background: Various attempts have been made to prevent 5-fluo rouracil-induced stomatitis, with unsatisfactory results. Sucralfate i s an aluminum hydroxide complex of sulfated sucrose common ly used in the treatment of gastroduodenal ulcers, We used the compound In a phas e II study to reduce and minimize the stomatotoxicity of 5-fluorouraci l chemotherapy administered in a multiple-day schedule. Methods: Fifty -two patients entered the study, and 129 cycles of chemotherapy were e valuated. Seven patients refused sucralfate rinses for taste intoleran ce. Results: A low level of stomatotoxicity was recorded: grade 2 stom atitis was observed after 14 cycles (10.8%) and grade 3 after 3 cycles (2.3%). Conclusions: Sucralfate administration could have a role in t he prevention of 5-fluorouracil-induced stomatitis.