THE EFFICACY OF SUCRALFATE SUSPENSION IN THE PREVENTION OF ORAL MUCOSITIS DUE TO RADIATION-THERAPY

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the value of sucralfa te suspension in prevention of oral mucositis and for reduction of ora l pain in patients who develop mucositis during radiation therapy. Met hods and Materials: The study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized prospective trial of a sucralfate suspension in the prevent ion and management of oral mucositis during radiation therapy. Oral mu cositis was assessed using a quantitative scale and symptoms were asse ssed using visual analogue scales. The statistical model was developed to detect a 40% reduction in mucositis. Results: No statistically sig nificant reduction in mucositis was seen. Early during radiation thera py less oral pain was reported in the sucralfate group, but as treatme nt progressed all patients experienced pain. Patients in the sucralfat e group were prescribed topical and systemic analgesics later in the c ourse of radiation therapy. Conclusion: Prophylactic oral rinsing with sucralfate did not prevent oral ulcerative mucositis. Sucralfate mag reduce the experience of pain during radiation therapy.