Oral cavity complications of bone marrow transplantation

Low-level laser therapy in the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine whether prophylactic and therapeutic low-level laser therapy (LLLT), compared with placebo or no therapy, reduced the risk of severe oral mucositis (OM) in patients receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

STUDY DESIGN

We searched for articles published on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Web of Science, and Clinical Trials, until December 2018. RCTs were filtered on the basis of eligibility criteria, and data were analyzed by using R software 3.5.2.

RESULTS

Overall, 30 studies were included in the meta-analysis. Prophylactic LLLT reduced the overall risk of severe OM (relative risk [RR] = 0.40; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.28-0.57; P < .01). Therapeutic LLLT substantially reduced the duration of severe OM (P < .01). LLLT also reduced the overall mean grade of OM, overall incidence of severe pain, mean score of pain, and incidence of severe OM, at the most anticipated time.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic and therapeutic LLLT can reduce the risk of severe OM in patients receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Host and Graft Factors Impacting Infection Risk in Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation

Infection contributes significantly to morbidity and mortality in hematopoietic cell transplantation. A complex interplay of host, graft, and technical factors contributes to infectious risk in the recipient. Host factors such as age, underlying disease, and comorbidities; central venous access; and the preparative regimen contribute to mucosal disruption, organ dysfunction, and immunodeficiency before hematopoietic cell transplantation. Graft factors, including donor histocompatibility, cell source, and graft components, along with immunosuppression and graft-versus-host disease, contribute to the speed of immune reconstitution. Evaluation of these factors, plus previous and posttransplant exposure to pathogens, is necessary to best assess an individual recipient's infection risk.

Multicenter randomized, double-blind controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of laser therapy for the treatment of severe oral mucositis induced by chemotherapy in children: laMPO RCT

OBJECTIVES

To demonstrate the efficacy of laser photobiomodulation (PBM) compared to that of placebo on severe oral mucositis (OM) in pediatric oncology patients. The primary objective was the reduction of OM grade (World Health Organization [WHO] scale) 7 days after starting PBM. Secondary objectives were reduction of pain, analgesic consumption, and incidence of side effects.

METHODS

One hundred and one children with WHO grade > 2 chemotherapy-induced OM were enrolled in eight Italian hospitals. Patients were randomized to either PBM or sham treatment for four consecutive days (days +1 to +4). On days +4, +7, and +11, OM grade, pain (following a 0-10 numeric pain rating scale, NRS) and need for analgesics were evaluated by an operator blinded to treatment.

RESULTS

Fifty-one patients were allocated to the PBM group, and 50 were allocated to the sham group. In total, 93.7% of PBM patients and 72% of sham patients had OM grade < 3 WHO on day +7 (P = 0.01). A significant reduction of pain was registered on day +7 in the PBM versus sham group (NRS 1 [0-3] vs. 2.5 [1-5], P < 0.006). Reduced use of analgesics was reported in the PBM group, although it was not statistically significant. No significant adverse events attributable to treatment were recorded.

CONCLUSIONS

PBM is a safe, feasible, and effective treatment for children affected by chemotherapy-induced OM, as it accelerates mucosal recovery and reduces pain.

Immune reconstitution post allogeneic transplant and the impact of immune recovery on the risk of infection

Infection is the leading cause of non-relapse mortality after allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). This occurs as a result of dysfunction to the host immune system from the preparative regimen used prior to HCT, combined with a delay in reconstitution of the donor-derived immune system after HCT. In this article, we elaborate on the process of immune reconstitution post-HCT that begins with the innate system and is followed by recovery of adaptive immunity. Simultaneously, we describe how the tempo of immune reconstitution influences the risk of various infections. We explain some of the key differences in immune reconstitution and the consequent risk of infections in recipients of peripheral blood stem cell, bone marrow or umbilical cord blood grafts. Other factors that impact on immune recovery are also highlighted. Finally, we allude to various strategies that are being tested to enhance immune reconstitution post-HCT.

Dental extraction in the neutropenic patient

PURPOSE

To identify risks of dental extraction in patients with mild, moderate, and severe neutropenia.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors undertook an observational study of 116 patients diagnosed with neutropenia and undergoing dental extractions in the Mayo Clinic Division of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Absolute neutrophil count (ANC) was no higher than 1,500/μL. Predictors were ANC, age, diagnosis, number of teeth removed, type and location of extraction, length of antibiotic use, presence and type of bacteremia at the time of consultation or extraction, reason for consultation, indication for extraction, and use of any granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (GCSF). Primary outcomes were total complications, surgical site infections, delayed healing, and prolonged postoperative pain. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were undertaken, with statistical significance set at a P value less than or equal to .05.

RESULTS

One hundred sixteen patients underwent extraction while neutropenic. The overall complication rate was 8.6% (n=10). All were minor complications requiring simple interventions, if any. Complications were delayed healing, surgical site infection, and prolonged postoperative pain. Delayed healing was not associated with ANC. GCSF and related medications did not appear to affect outcomes in these patients.

CONCLUSION

The results of this preliminary study suggest that extraction of teeth in patients at all stages of neutropenia can be conducted safely. Complications of extraction were few and should be easily controlled. Further studies are required to clarify and stratify risk for future patients.

Oral complications and management strategies for patients undergoing cancer therapy

With cancer survival rate climbing up over the past three decades, quality of life for cancer patients has become an issue of major concern. Oral health plays an important part in one's overall quality of life. However, oral health status can be severely hampered by side effects of cancer therapies including surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Moreover, prevention and treatment of these complications are often overlooked in clinical practice. The present paper aims at drawing health care professionals' attention to oral complications associated with cancer therapy by giving a comprehensive review. Brief comments on contemporary cancer therapies will be given first, followed by detailed description of oral complications associated with cancer therapy. Finally, a summary of preventive strategies and treatment options for common oral complications including oral mucositis, oral infections, xerostomia, and dysgeusia will be given.

Five-year follow-up of survival and relapse in patients who received cryotherapy during high-dose chemotherapy for stem cell transplantation shows no safety concerns

We have previously published a randomised controlled study of the efficacy of cryotherapy in preventing acute oral mucositis after high-dose chemotherapy for stem cell transplantation. The present study is a 5-year follow-up safety study of survival in these patients. In the previously published study oral cryotherapy (cooling of the oral cavity) during high-dose chemotherapy significantly reduced mucositis grade and opiate use in the treated group. All patients were followed up for at least 5 years with regard to relapse and death rates. Baseline data, transplant complications and mucositis data were compared. Significantly more patients (25/39) who received oral cryotherapy were alive after 5 years compared to 15/39 in the control group (P= 0.025). Relapse rates were similar. The only baseline difference was a lower proportion of patients in complete remission at transplantation in the control group (6 vs. 13, P= 0.047). This 5-year follow-up study gave no support for safety concerns with cryotherapy.

Efficacy and safety of transdermal fentanyl for treatment of oral mucositis pain caused by chemotherapy

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

We investigated the efficacy and safety of transdermal fentanyl for severe mucositis pain caused by chemotherapy.

METHODS

Thirty-two patients who had moderate to severe pain using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) were enrolled in this study. The analgesic effect, quality of life and side effects were evaluated after the administration of transdermal fentanyl.

RESULTS

The median NRS score was reduced from 6 (range 4 - 9) before treatment to 4 (range 0 - 9), 2.5 (range 0 - 8), 2 (range 0 - 8), 2 (range 0 - 6) and 0 (range 0 - 5) on days 3, 5, 7, 10 and 15, respectively, after treatment (p < 0.001). The patients' quality of life also improved significantly (p < 0.01). The side effects of treatment were mild, and disappeared within several days.

CONCLUSIONS

Transdermal fentanyl is an effective, convenient and well-tolerated treatment for severe mucositis pain caused by chemotherapy that can improve patients' quality of life.

Stomatitis-related pain in women with breast cancer undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant

The purpose of this cross-sectional, correlational study was to describe stomatitis-related pain in women with breast cancer undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant. The hypotheses that significant, positive relationships would exist between oral pain and stomatitis, state anxiety, depression, and alteration in swallowing were tested. Stomatitis, sensory dimension of oral pain, and state anxiety were hypothesized to most accurately predict oral pain overall intensity. Thirty-two women were recruited at 2 East Coast comprehensive cancer centers. Data were collected on bone marrow transplantation day +7 +/- 24 hours using Painometer, Oral Mucositis Index-20, Oral Assessment Guide, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Beck Depression Inventory. Data analysis included descriptive statistics, correlations, and stepwise multiple regression. All participants had stomatitis; 47% had oral pain, with a subset reporting continuous moderate to severe oral pain despite pain management algorithms. Significant, positive associations were seen between oral pain, stomatitis, and alteration in swallowing and between oral pain with swallowing and alteration in swallowing. Oral pain was not significantly correlated with state anxiety and depression. Oral sensory and affective pain intensity most accurately predicted oral pain overall intensity. Future research needs to explore factors that affect perception and response to stomatitis-related oropharyngeal pain and individual patient response to opioid treatment.

Changes in salivary proteome following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

OBJECTIVE

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is frequently complicated by severe infections and graft-vs-host disease (GVHD). Saliva contains many components of adaptive and innate immune response crucial for local host defenses. Changes in salivary constituents could reflect systemic processes such as immune reconstitution and development of GVHD that occur posttransplant. This study was an initial evaluation of salivary protein changes that occur after allo-HCT.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Serially collected saliva samples from 41 patients undergoing allo-HCT were evaluated. Changes in salivary proteome were initially examined by SELDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Individual protein changes were identified by 2-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) with subsequent MS/MS sequencing and ELISA.

RESULTS

Significant increases and decreases in multiple salivary proteins that lasted at least 2 months posttransplant were detected by SELDI-TOF mass spectrometry. Lactoferrin and secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor demonstrated elevations 1 month post-HCT that persisted at least 6 months. Secretory IgA (sIgA) levels were decreased 1 month posttransplant, with recovery at approximately 6 months. Levels of salivary beta(2)-microglobulin were elevated at 6 months and correlated with sIgA levels.

CONCLUSION

Allo-HCT is associated with long-term changes in several salivary proteins important for innate immune responses. These results support further studies on the association of salivary proteins with posttransplant complications including infections and GVHD.

Human herpes simplex virus infections: epidemiology, pathogenesis, symptomatology, diagnosis, and management

Eight of the more than 80 known herpesviruses are human pathogens. Human herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a contagious infection with a large reservoir in the general population. It has a potential for significant complications in the immunocompromised host. In addition, psychological distress caused by the negative stigma associated with genital herpes and visible facial lesions in those experiencing frequent outbreaks renders it a challenging clinical dilemma. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathogenesis, and diagnostic features of HSV infections, providing the clinician with an up-to-date understanding of the available management strategies for mucocutaneous HSV-induced disease.

Cytoprotection by Amifostine during Autologous Stem Cell Transplantation for Advanced Refractory Hematologic Malignancies

This study evaluated whether amifostine protects against mucositis and other toxicities in patients with advanced, refractory, or recurrent hematologic malignancies undergoing high-dose chemotherapy and total body irradiation. Thirty-five patients (20 with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, 12 with Hodgkin disease, and 3 with acute myelogenous leukemia) who underwent autologous stem cell transplantation were conditioned with total body irradiation 2 Gy twice daily on days -8 through -6; cyclophosphamide 6 g/m(2), etoposide 1.8 g/m(2), and carboplatin 1 g/m(2) on days -5 through -3; and amifostine 500 mg/m(2) on days -8 through -2. Prior institutional experience in patients treated without amifostine was used as a historical comparison (no-amifostine group). Severe mucositis occurred in 14 (40%) of 35 patients in the amifostine group, compared with 33 (94%) of 35 in the no-amifostine group (P < .0001). Total parenteral nutrition was used by 4 (11%) of 35 amifostine-treated patients and 34 (97%) of 35 no-amifostine patients (P < .0001). The median duration of narcotic use decreased from 15.5 days with no amifostine to 11 days with amifostine (P = .002). Granulocyte and platelet engraftment times were similar. Prospective trials with innovative designs and clearly defined stopping rules are warranted to confirm whether amifostine reduces the toxicities of a myelosuppressive conditioning regimen before autologous stem cell transplantation without compromising therapeutic response.

Transdermal fentanyl in HSCT patients: an open trial using transdermal fentanyl for the treatment of oral mucositis pain

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that can be delivered through a transdermal therapeutic system (TTS). The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of fentanyl TTS in treating oral mucositis pain in 75 adult hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) patients. The analysis was based on 62 patients who developed mucositis. Pain control was assessed by the patients using a visual analogue scale (VAS) from day 0 to day +33 after HSCT. Fentanyl TTS was administered at the patient's request. In all, 20 patients did not require fentanyl (group A). The first 22 patients asking for the patch received fentanyl 25 microg/h (group B) and the subsequent 20 patients received 50 microg/h (group C). There were no significant differences in pain relief between groups B and C. The expected effect of a decrease in mean pain score (mean of the VAS scores of all of the patients in the same group each day) following the application of fentanyl TTS was not noted. We can conclude that fentanyl TTS at the doses used in this study may not adequately relieve oral mucositis pain.

The effect of oral mucositis on morbidity and mortality in bone marrow transplant

Oral mucosal ulceration is a frequent complication in bone marrow transplantation, resulting from epithelial injury caused by cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiation conditioning, as well as from pre-existing infection. Oral mucositis causes pain, interferes with patient nutrition, and can lead to systemic infection and other complications that increase patient morbidity and mortality; this complication also markedly increases the expense of bone marrow transplantation. A variety of interventions have been assessed for preventing oral mucositis or reducing the severity of mucositis and its sequelae. These include meticulous pretransplantation and ongoing mouth care, calcium phosphate solution, near-infrared light and lower-energy laser treatment, interleukin-11, sucralfate, oral glutamine, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor rinse, tretinoin, and keratinocyte growth factor; particularly promising results have been observed with use of the cytoprotectant/radioprotectant agent amifostine. Reduction in the severity and duration of oral mucositis and its sequelae in patients undergoing bone marrow transplantation can have a substantial impact on morbidity and mortality and cost of care. Further systematic evaluation of approaches to prevention and management of oral mucositis is necessary to define optimal strategies in the transplantation setting.

Position Paper: Oral Features of Mucocutaneous Disorders

Part of periodontology involves the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of non-plaque-related diseases of the periodontium. The International Workshop for a Classification of Periodontal Diseases and Conditions noted that the periodontist may be called upon to manage non-plaque-related mucocutaneous disorders either alone, or as part of a treatment team consisting of physicians, dentists or other allied health care professionals. This informational paper will review the etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and treatment of the most common chronic mucocutaneous diseases, including those that may present as desquamative gingivitis or intraoral vesiculobullous lesions. This paper is intended for the use of periodontists and other members of the dental profession.

Oral candidiasis in hematopoietic cell transplantation patients: an outcome-based analysis

OBJECTIVES

Despite aggressive antifungal prophylaxis, the increased risk for systemic fungal infection in recipients of hematopoietic cell transplants (HCT) continues to be a significant concern because Candida infection can cause morbidity and mortality in these patients. The objectives of this study were to examine the relationship of oral colonization by Candida species to systemic infection, mortality, and the impact of antifungal treatment on a population of recipients of HCT.

STUDY DESIGN

One hundred and fifteen consecutive patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation were evaluated. Oral examinations and cultures for Candida were completed before transplantation and on a weekly basis until discharge. The oral complications were assessed, and the level of mucositis was scored by using the National Cancer Institute grade. Systemic antifungal prophylaxis was provided to all patients. Chlorhexidine oral rinses were also routinely provided.

RESULTS

Colonization by Candida species was identified in 31% of patients. Fifty-six percent of patients with colonization had clinical evidence of oral candidiasis. Significantly decreased Candida colonization was seen in patients using chlorhexidine alone compared with those using chlorhexidine and nystatin together (P <.046). Twenty-five patients died in the immediate posttransplantation period, 17 of whom were Candida-positive. The length of hospital stay ranged from 15 to 153 days; increased stay was also associated with Candida colonization (P =.04). Seventy-four percent of all patients developed ulcerative mucositis. More severe mucositis was seen in patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy. There was no significant difference between Candida colonization and the presence or severity of mucositis.

CONCLUSIONS

Despite systemic and topical antifungal prophylaxis, oropharyngeal colonization by Candida species was common in patients who had received HCT. Candidiasis was commonly present in those who did not survive the early transplant period. Of the 25 patients who died early after the transplantation, 92% had ulcerative mucositis in comparison with 70% of those who survived, reflecting the association of oral mucositis with the toxicity of HCT. There was a significant relationship among allogeneic and autologous HCT, length of stay, and colonization of Candida. In patients undergoing systemic antifungal prophylaxis, chlorhexidine rinse was statistically more effective in reducing colonization by Candida than chlorhexidine and nystatin combined (P =.046).

Clinical utility of oral valacyclovir compared with oral acyclovir for the prevention of herpes simplex virus mucositis following autologous bone marrow transplantation or stem cell rescue therapy

Oral acyclovir has been demonstrated to prevent reactivation of herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections when administered prophylactically to autologous bone marrow transplant (BMT) recipients or patients undergoing stem cell rescue therapy. Oral valacyclovir, which is converted in the body to acyclovir, has greater oral bioavailability than oral acyclovir and compared with oral acyclovir yields similar acyclovir plasma concentrations with less frequent (twice-daily) dosing. This study compared the efficacy of oral valacyclovir with that of oral acyclovir at preventing HSV mucositis in BMT recipients. A total of 60 HSV-1-positive patients scheduled for BMT or stem cell rescue therapy were treated prophylactically with valacyclovir 500 mg twice daily until resolution of neutropenia. Data from these patients were compared with those of a historical control group of 60 patients who had received acyclovir 600 mg every 6 h until resolution of neutropenia or acyclovir 125 mg/m(2) intravenously every 6 h. The results show that none of the patients developed oral or oropharyngeal HSV infection while receiving either treatment. Of the 60 patients receiving valacyclovir, 38 (63%) completed treatment without the need for intravenous acyclovir compared with 12 of 60 (20%) patients in the acyclovir group. Additionally, the total number of doses of drug administered to the valacyclovir group was significantly less than the number received by patients in the acyclovir group. No serious adverse events occurred in either group of patients. This study demonstrates that oral valacyclovir and acyclovir are comparably effective and safe in preventing reactivation of HSV infections in autologous BMT and stem cell recipients. The less frequent dosing schedule with valacyclovir compared with acyclovir offers a potential advantage for patients undergoing BMT who frequently suffer with severe mucositis and have difficulty taking oral medications.

The 20 item oral mucositis index: reliability and validity in bone marrow and stem cell transplant patients

Precise quantification of oral complications in cancer patients receiving bone marrow and stem cell transplantation is essential when testing new treatment strategies for mucositis. Using 133 adult transplant patients, the authors evaluated the 20 item oral mucositis index (OMI), adapted from the 34 item OMI, to facilitate use by nondental health professionals. The OMI-20 consists of nine items measuring erythema, nine measuring ulceration, one measuring atrophy, and one measuring edema; all are scored from 0 = none to 3 = severe and summed for a total possible score of 0-60. The two sets of nine items measuring erythema and ulceration can also be summed separately to produce subscale scores ranging from 0 to 27. Results demonstrated internal consistency, test-retest, and inter-rater reliability, and strong evidence of construct validity. Provided that clinical examiners have appropriate training and experience, the OMI-20 can be used as a reliable, valid, and quantifiable measure of mucositis in clinical research.

Chronic graft-versus-host disease and late effects after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Late effects following HSCT are related to either the transplant process or to the transplant preparative regimen. Problems related to the transplant process include delayed recovery of the immune system and chronic GVHD. Chronic GVHD presents between 3-14 months post-HSCT in approximately 20% of matched sibling transplants and 40% of matched unrelated donor recipients. Most commonly involved sites are skin, mouth, liver, gastrointestinal tract, and eye. Patients with platelet count < 100,000/ml and receiving cortocosteroid therapy at day 80 with any clinical manifestations of chronic GVHD require prolonged immune suppressive therapy with prednisone, cyclosporine +/- other agents. Treatment should be administered until all clinical and pathological signs and symptoms of chronic GVHD have resolved which may take one to several years. Problems related to the transplant preparative regimen include those involving the endocrine system, eyes, lungs, bone, and development of secondary malignancies. Endocrine deficiencies include growth failure with growth hormone (GH) deficiency, overt hypothyroidism, primary gonadal failure, Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. These problems develop at any time post-HSCT, but usually occur within the first few years and should be treated with appropriate hormone supplementation. Eye problems are primarily related to development of cateracts secondary to total body irradiation (TBI) or prolonged corticosteroid use. Cateracts developing after fractionated frequently do not require removal. Pulmonary problems may be due to bronchiolitis obliterans (BO) or to restrictive lung disease. BO may be associated with chronic GVHD and may respond to chronic GVHD therapy. Restrictive lung disease does not occur for many years after HSCT. There is not therapy for this problem. Development of decreased bone mineral density (BMD) is related to GH deficiency and/or corticosteroid therapy. Treatment includes withdrawal of corticosteroids, administration of GH and calcium, Vitamin D and antiresorptive agents. All malignant disease survivors are at risk for development of secondary malignancies, including survivors of HSCT. Recipients of TBI are at highest risk as are children. All pediatric and adult survivors of HSCT should be followed for their life-time for development of delayed effects of transplantation.

Management of oral complications

OBJECTIVES

To explore what nurses were doing to prevent or treat oral complications related to cancer and cancer therapies.

DATA SOURCES

Review articles, research studies, consensus statements, and data collection.

CONCLUSIONS

Different practice patterns exist between physicians and nurses in providing oral care interventions. Nurses initiated less toxic and less costly interventions than those prescribed by physicians. Standard assessment parameters are used infrequently.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Oral mucositis can be distressing by interfering with comfort, appetite, communication, and general well-being. Nurses need to initiate appropriate therapy for patient care.

Assessment of various topical oral formulations by bone marrow transplant recipients

Topical approaches to management of oral mucositis have the advantages of high 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 assessed the acceptability of three formulations (rinse, thin gel, thick gel) of a new compound developed to prevent oral mucositis. The rinse was selected as the most acceptable formulation. The thick gel received the lowest rating. Consistency was a major determinant of overall acceptability. A neutral taste was desirable for most participants. Room temperature of the formulation was rated as completely acceptable. Most participants would be willing 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 caregivers may be needed to achieve compliance with such regimens.

Implementation of an oral care standard for leukemia and transplantation patients

The purpose of this project was to develop an oral care standard on two nursing units in a university hospital where care was given to patients undergoing bone marrow or stem cell transplantation (BMSCT) and other treatments for leukemia. Strategies used in this interdisciplinary effort included collaboration, consultation, education, and evaluation. In the collaboration phase, a core group of nurses talked with staff about current practices, reviewed literature and published standards, examined protocols from other institutions, decided on goals, and developed the standard. Consultation with a dentist, pharmacist, and physician occurred before completion of the standard. The education phase included in-service sessions for nurses and technicians. The evaluation phase, which occurred in two phases, focused on checking to see if the goals had been met, including tolerability and adherence. The first phase allowed identification of problem areas and subsequent revisions, whereas the second phase evaluated adherence at a later time point. Overall, most of the patients adhered to the standard. Future implications include specific recommendations such as an emphasis on oral care, documentation, and patient and staff education. This project is an example of how nurses addressed the challenge of implementing an acceptable oral care standard to decrease patients' oral complications and distress.