Assessment of various topical oral formulations by bone marrow transplant recipients

Topical approaches to management of oral mucositis have the advantages of h igh local concentration and limited or no systemic absorption, reducing the risk of systemic complications. The acceptability of topical therapies in cancer patients has not been evaluated. Thirty-eight transplant patients as sessed the acceptability of three formulations (rinse, thin gel, thick gel) of a new compound developed to prevent oral mucositis. The rinse nas selec ted as the most acceptable formulation. The thick eel received the lowest r ating. Consistency was a major determinant of overall acceptability. A neut ral taste was desirable for most participants. Room temperature of the form ulation was rated as completely acceptable. Most participants would be will ing to use the rinse or thin gel several times per day, to retain each dose in the oral cavity for up to 5 min, and to swallow it. The support of care givers may be needed to achieve compliance with such regimens. (C) 2001 Pub lished by Elsevier Science Ltd.