Characteristics and risk factors of oral mucositis after allogeneic stem cell transplantation with FLU/MEL conditioning regimen in context with BU/CY2

Prospective longitudinal analysis of clinical and immunological risk factors associated with oral and gastrointestinal mucositis following autologous stem cell transplant in adults

PURPOSE

The study aimed to characterize the incidence of both oral and gastrointestinal (GI) mucositis, its' associated temporal changes in local and systemic pro-inflammatory cytokines, and to explore predictive clinical and immunological factors associated with their occurrences in hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT).

METHODS

Autologous HSCT patients aged 18 years old and above were recruited from Hospital Ampang, Malaysia, between April 2019 to December 2020. Mucositis assessments were conducted daily, whilst blood and saliva were collected prior to conditioning regimen, on Day 0, Day+7 and 6-month. Baseline and inflammatory predictors in a repeated time measurement of moderate-severe mucositis were assessed by multiple logistic regression and generalized estimating equations, respectively.

RESULTS

Of the 142 patients analyzed, oral mucositis and diarrhea (representing GI mucositis) were reported as 68.3% and 95.8%, respectively. Predictive factors for moderate-severe oral mucositis were BEAM or busulphan-based regimens (odds ratio (OR)=9.2, 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.16-72.9, p-value (p) = 0.005) and vomiting (OR=4.6, 95% CI 1.68-12.3, p = 0.004). Predictive factors for moderate-severe GI mucositis were BEAM or busulphan-based regimens (OR=3.9, 95% CI 1.05-14.5, p = 0.023), female sex (OR = 3.3, 95% CI 1.43-7.44, p = 0.004) and body mass index (OR=1.08, 95% CI 1.02-1.15, p = 0.010). Cytokines analyses were performed in 96 patients. Saliva and plasma interleukin-6 (OR=1.003, 95% CI 1.001-1.004, p < 0.001 and OR=1.01, 95% CI 1.001-1.015, p = 0.029), and plasma tumor necrosis factor-alpha (OR=0.91, 95% CI 0.85-0.99, p = 0.019) were predictive of moderate-severe oral mucositis in a time-dependent model.

CONCLUSION

This study provides real-world evidence and insights into patient- and treatment-related factors affecting oral and GI mucositis in HSCT.

Viable Bifidobacterium tablets for the prevention of chemotherapy-/radiation-induced mucositis in patients undergoing haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

PURPOSE

Mucositis is a frequent and severe complication in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The effectiveness of probiotics in mucositis has been indicated by several clinical trials, but the results are still controversial. To date, studies on the influence of probiotics in HSCT are limited. Therefore, we conducted this retrospective study to evaluate the impact of viable Bifidobacterium tablets on the incidence and duration of chemotherapy-/radiation-induced mucositis in patients undergoing HSCT.

METHODS

Clinical data of 278 patients who underwent HSCT between May 2020 and November 2021 were retrospectively analysed. They were divided into a control group (138) and a probiotic group (140) according to whether they took viable Bifidobacterium tablets. First, we analysed the baseline data of the two groups. Then, we compared the incidence, severity and duration of mucositis between the two groups by using Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test and Fisher's exact test according to the type of data. In order to exclude the influence of confounding factors, we further evaluated the efficacy of oral probiotics in preventing oral mucositis by Binary logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The use of viable Bifidobacterium tablets markedly reduced the incidence of oral mucositis (OM) (62.9% vs. 81.2%, p = 0.001) and mainly reduced the incidence of grades 1-2 OM (74.6% vs. 58.6%, p = 0.005). There was no significant difference in the incidence of severe (grades 3-4) OM between the two groups (6.5% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.409). The median duration of OM was shorter in the probiotic group (10 vs. 12 days, p = 0.037). The incidence and duration of diarrhoea did not differ between the two groups. Moreover, the use of viable Bifidobacterium tablets had no influence on engraftment.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggested that viable Bifidobacterium tablets could effectively reduce the incidence of grades 1-2 OM and duration of OM during the transplant process without affecting the outcome of HSCT.

Palifermin Compared to Supersaturated Calcium Phosphate Rinse in Prevention of Severe Oral Mucositis after Stem Cell Transplantation in Patients Receiving Radiotherapy-Based Myeloablative Conditioning

Purpose: Oral mucositis (OM) is a common, debilitating complication of conditioning regimens for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Supersaturated calcium phosphate rinse (SCPR) and palifermin have shown efficacy in preventing severe OM. However, whether their efficacy differs is unknown. We aimed to compare the efficacy of SCPR and palifermin in HSCT patients receiving myeloablative conditioning. Methods: A comprehensive review of our institutional database was performed to identify patients who received myeloablative-conditioning therapy over 5 years. All HSCT patients who received radiotherapy-based myeloablative conditioning and received either palifermin or SCPR within the study period were included. Most patients received Fludarabine, Busulfan, and total body irradiation (FBT). Patients were divided into two groups based on the OM prophylactic agent received. The primary outcome is prevalence of severe OM (WHO Grade 3 and 4). The secondary outcomes are a prevalence of all-grade OM and WHO Grade 4 OM. These outcomes were compared between the two groups. Results: We identified 26 patients who received SCPR and 122 patients who received palifermin for OM prophylaxis. The prevalence of World Health Organization (WHO) Grade 3 or 4 OM was significantly lower in the palifermin group (57% vs. 100%, p = 0.01). In addition, the palifermin group had lower WHO Grade 4 OM (22% vs. 62%, p = 0.0006). The overall prevalence of OM was not significantly different between the two groups (86% for palifermin group vs. 100% for SCPR arm, p = 0.15). Subgroup analyses demonstrated improved outcomes with palifermin, regardless of age, sex, disease status, donor type, and primary diagnosis. Conclusion: When compared to SCPR, the use of palifermin is associated reduced severity of OM in HSCT patients receiving radiotherapy-based myeloablative conditioning.

The effects of a combination oral spray (Mucosamin®) for the prevention of oral mucositis in pediatric patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a double blind randomized clinical trial

PURPOSE

Oral mucositis (OM) is a frequent complication of conditioning regimens for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Damage to the nuclear and non-nuclear materials of the mucosal cells by the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and proinflammatory cytokines could result to development and progression of OM. Previous studies have shown the effectiveness of !!!Mucosamin® oral spray in the management of pain and acceleration of OM healing. The aims of the current study were to evaluate prophylactic effects of Mucosamin® oral spray in reducing the incidence and severity of OM in pediatric patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT.

METHOD

The current study was designed as a double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial. Sixty patients were enrolled in the study and received placebo or Mucosamin® spray. Patients in both groups used sprays 4 times daily. Product application was begun at the time of initiation of conditioning regimen and was continued for 14 days.

RESULTS

Mucosamin® significantly reduced incidence and severity of OM compared to the placebo (P values: 0.027 and 0.035, respectively). This product could also decrease OM duration and delay OM onset (P values: 0.007 and 0.006, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Mucosamin® could effectively reduce incidence, severity, and duration of OM and delay OM onset in pediatric patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study protocol was registered in the Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials under the registry number IRCT20190917044805N1.

The incidence of severe oral mucositis in patients undergoing different conditioning regimens in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation

PURPOSE

Oral mucositis is a common complication during haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This study aimed to assess the incidence of severe mucositis in patients undergoing different HSCT regimens.

METHODS

This single-centre retrospective study reviewed daily oral assessment for 467 consecutive patients who underwent different transplant regimens for matched unrelated or related allogeneic HSCT with post-transplant methotrexate, haploidentical or mismatched HSCT with post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy), or autologous HSCT. Oral care and cryotherapy with melphalan were used. Patient demographic data, oral mucositis WHO grade, use of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) were collected.

RESULTS

Grade 3-4 oral mucositis was common in myeloablative total body irradiation (TBI)-based regimens cyclophosphamide/ TBI (CyTBI) (71%) and fludarabine/ TBI (FluTBI) with PTCy (46%), as well as reduced-intensity fludarabine/melphalan (FluMel) (43%) and carmustine/etoposide/cytarabine/melphalan (BEAM) autologous HSCT (41%). In contrast, grade 3-4 oral mucositis was less common in reduced-intensity haploidentical regimen melphalan/fludarabine/TBI with PTCy (19%), all non-myeloablative regimens (0-9%) and high-dose melphalan autologous HSCT (26%). TPN and PCA use were correlated to oral mucositis severity.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe oral mucositis was associated with myeloablative TBI, methotrexate and melphalan in combination with methotrexate and in BEAM. Use of PTCy was preferable over methotrexate to prevent oral mucositis.

Intensive oral care can reduce bloodstream infection with coagulase-negative staphylococci after neutrophil engraftment in allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation

PURPOSE

Bloodstream infection (BSI) is a major complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-SCT). There are several causes of BSI; in particular, severe oral mucositis (OM) can induce BSI due to coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS). The OM severity may be reduced with intensive oral care. Thus, we evaluated whether the type of oral care affects the BSI incidence eventually.

METHOD

We performed retrospective analysis on 206 recipients who underwent allo-SCT from 2006 to 2017 at our institute. Intensive oral care by a dental specialist was performed for 111 recipients (intensive-care group) and self-oral care was performed by 95 recipients (self-care group). Incidence of BSI was assessed by type of the oral care, before neutrophil engraftment (pre-E-BSI) and after neutrophil engraftment (post-E-BSI) period until 180 days after allo-SCT.

RESULT

A total of 112 BSI occurred in 90 of the 206 recipients and 120 bacteria were identified, with CoNS being the most prevalent. There was no significant difference in the incidence of pre-E-BSI between the self-care and intensive-care groups (30.8% and 30.6%, respectively; P = 0.508). Meanwhile, the incidence of post-E-BSI was significantly lower in the intensive-care group than in the self-care group (14.3% and 28.6%; P = 0.008). In addition, the intensive-care group had significantly lower incidence of post-E-BSI with CoNS than the self-care group (8.5% and 21.5%, respectively; P = 0.009).

CONCLUSION

Intensive oral care through the period of allo-HCT can significantly reduce the post-E-BSI occurrence, especially due to CoNS.

Development and Validation of the Oral Mucositis Risk Assessment Scale in Hematology Patients

OBJECTIVES

This study was conducted as a methodological study to develop a valid and reliable scale to evaluate the risk of developing oral mucositis in hematology patients.

DATA SOURCES

The universe and sample were comprised of one hundred eighty-seven in-patients who were taken to receive chemotherapy in the hematology clinics over a six-month period. The data were collected through the Patient Diagnosis Form, the World Health Organization's Mucositis Evaluation Form and Oral Mucositis Risk Assessment Scale in Hematology Patients developed. Risk of "taking high-dose chemotherapy regimen", "neutropenia", "dry mouth", "pain", "leukopenia", "parenteral feeding", "previous history of oral mucositis" and "chemotherapy or radiotherapy in the past" were found as an oral mucositis risk factor. We have added "using high-risk chemotherapeutic agents", "bone marrow transplant", " head-neck or mouth cancer" which we consider clinically important. The scale consists of 11 items. The sensitivity value is 0.941 and the selectivity value is 0.724.

CONCLUSION

We recommend that use the Oral Mucositis Risk Assessment Scale in Hematology Patients. Similar studies should be performed in oncology clinics and especially in patients receiving head and neck, oral radiotherapy.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Oral mucositis is an important problem for hematology patients. nurses' risk assessment and early intervention to oral mucositis prevent the formation and complications of oral mucositis.

Leucovorin Rescue After Methotrexate Graft-Versus-Host Disease Prophylaxis Shortens the Duration of Mucositis, Time to Neutrophil Engraftment, and Hospital Length of Stay

Oropharyngeal mucositis (OPM) is common following conditioning for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT) and results in pain, functional status decline, need for nutritional support, infections, and prolonged length of stay (LOS). Methotrexate (MTX) graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis exacerbates OPM and slows hematopoietic engraftment, which may prolong LOS. Previous studies have demonstrated reduced OPM and more rapid engraftment when leucovorin (LCV) is added following MTX GVHD prophylaxis, yet this practice is controversial. The primary objective of this study was to determine if the routine addition of LCV to MTX GVHD prophylaxis impacted the duration of grade 2 to 4 OPM. Secondary objectives included determination of the incidence of grade 2 to 4 and grade 3 to 4 OPM, time to engraftment, ability to receive all four planned MTX doses, use of total parenteral nutrition (TPN), use of patient-controlled analgesia (PCA), LOS, incidence of acute or chronic GVHD, relapse-free survival (RFS), and overall survival (OS). This single-center, retrospective cohort study compared alloHCT outcomes for 46 adult patients who received MTX 15 mg/m² day +1; MTX 10 mg/m² days +3, +6, and +11 (15-10-10-10); and LCV following days +3, +6, and +11 MTX compared to historical controls who did not. Patients who received myeloablative conditioning (MAC) and matched related donor (MRD) or matched unrelated donor (MUD) alloHCT were included. The addition of LCV resulted in significant reductions in the duration of grade 2 to 4 OPM (median, 6 days versus 10.5 days; P = .0004), duration of TPN (7 days versus 16 days; P = .001), PCA use (16% versus 39%; P = .0001), time to neutrophil engraftment (median, 18 versus 20 days; P = .008), and LOS (median, 27.5 versus 31 days; P = .017) compared to historical controls. Patients who received routine LCV had similar incidences of grade 2 to 4 acute GVHD (30% versus 28%; relative risk [RR], 1.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], .57 to 2.03; P = 1.0), grade 3 or 4 acute GVHD (2% versus 7%; RR, .33; 95% CI, .04 to 3.09; P = .62) and chronic GVHD (37% versus 30%; RR, 1.21; 95% CI, .67 to 2.16; P = .66) compared to historical controls. Graft failure occurred in 2% of patients in each group. In a multivariable logistic regression analysis, RFS was similar in the LCV group compared to historical controls (HR, .86; 95% CI, .24 to 1.2; P = .13); however, OS was improved in patients who received LCV (HR, .33; 95% CI, .13 to .83; P = .01). In patients undergoing MAC MRD/MUD alloHCT with four planned doses of MTX GVHD prophylaxis (15-10-10-10), LCV was associated with reduced duration of grade 2 to 4 OPM, faster neutrophil engraftment, reduced utilization of TPN and PCA, and shortened LOS compared to historical controls not receiving routine LCV. These benefits were apparent without an increased risk of acute or chronic GVHD or adverse effect on RFS. LCV improved OS; however, it is unclear if this was due to the intervention or an unmeasured confounder. A randomized, prospective trial of LCV prophylaxis in patients receiving MAC alloHCT and MTX 15-10-10-10 GVHD prophylaxis is warranted to confirm our findings.

Nutritional status as a predictor of adverse events and survival in pediatric autologous stem cell transplant

Nutritional status is recognized as an independent and modifiable risk factor of outcome in stem cell transplant. Our research aim was to evaluate the impact of body mass index (BMI) and serum albumin on the prevalence of adverse events and survival in autologous transplant in children. A retrospective study was conducted of autologous transplants performed between 2006 and 2017 in the Children's Hospital Zagreb, Croatia. Nutritional status was assessed at the times of diagnosis, procedure, and discharge using BMI (underweight, normal, obese) and serum albumin (grades 1-4). Adverse events (fever, gastrointestinal toxicity, electrolyte disturbances, dysglycemia) and outcome (3-year, relapse, mortality) were documented. Seventy-seven children (54.5% males, mean age 7.9 years) underwent autologous transplant, mostly for neuroblastoma. In terms of BMI and albumin, which showed significant positive correlation at diagnosis (p = 0.026) and transplant (p = 0.016), most participants were well nourished. Average post-transplant weight loss was 4%. Major toxicities were severe mucositis (72.7%) and hypophosphatemia (31.2%). Relapse and mortality rates were 35.1% and 42.9%, respectively. Hypokalemia (p = 0.041) and hypomagnesemia (p = 0.044) were more prevalent in the underweight group, while obese children experienced significantly less severe mucositis (p = 0.016) and hypophosphatemia (p = 0.038). There was no significant difference regarding outcome among children of different nutritional status, although undernourished children tended to have lower relapse and mortality rates. In conclusion, underweight children are significantly more prone to severe electrolyte disorders and mucositis, and although statistical significance was not reached, are more likely to survive.

Polaprezinc for prevention of oral mucositis in patients receiving chemotherapy followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A multi-institutional randomized controlled trial

Oral mucositis is a common and distressing complication in patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy followed by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). We reported previously in a single-center retrospective analysis that zinc-L-carnosine (polaprezinc [PZ]) reduced the incidence of oral mucositis associated with HSCT. To verify the accuracy of the prophylactic effect of PZ against oral mucositis, we carried out a multi-institutional prospective randomized controlled study. Patients were randomly allocated to either the prevention group, in which PZ lozenge treatment was started before chemotherapy, or the control group, in which administration of PZ lozenges was initiated immediately after the onset of Grade 2 oral mucositis. Oral mucositis was evaluated daily from the start of chemotherapy to 35 days after transplantation. A total of 91 patients were enrolled, and 88 patients (47 in the control group and 41 in the prevention group) were eligible for data analysis. The incidence of Grade ≥2 but not Grade ≥3 oral mucositis was significantly reduced in the prevention group compared to the control group (44.7% in control group vs 22.0% in the prevention group, P = .025). There were no significant differences in the incidence rates of other adverse events or the rate of engraftment (95.6% vs 97.2%, P = .693) between the two groups. These findings suggest that PZ lozenge is effective for prophylaxis against Grade ≥2 oral mucositis associated with chemotherapy in patients undergoing HSCT without any influence on the HSCT outcome.

Ketamine mouthwash versus placebo in the treatment of severe oral mucositis pain in children with cancer: A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Oral mucositis (OM) is a common and distressing toxicity in children on chemotherapy. There are a limited number of safe and effective therapeutic options available for OM. Ketamine oral rinse has shown promising results in a few studies in adults. This randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial aimed to test the efficacy of ketamine mouthwash in reducing chemotherapy-induced severe OM pain in children.

METHODS

Children aged 8-18 years with severe OM were randomized to a single dose of ketamine mouthwash (4 mg/mL solution; dose 1 mg/kg) or a placebo. A sample size of 44 patients was determined. Pain score (6-point faces scale) was noted at baseline and 15, 30, 45, 60, 120, 180, and 240 min. The outcome variables were a reduction in pain score, need for rescue medications, and adverse events.

RESULTS

The baseline characteristics were comparable in the two groups. The mean OM pain at 60 min decreased by 1.64 points (CI 1.13-2.14) in the ketamine group and 1.32 points (CI 0.76-1.87) in the placebo group (P = 0.425), with a group difference of 0.32 points. Rescue pain medication (at 60 min) was required in 13.6% in the ketamine group and 18.2% in the placebo group (P = 1.000). No significant adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Among children on cancer chemotherapy with severe OM, ketamine mouthwash at a dose of 1 mg/kg did not significantly reduce OM pain. It did not decrease the need for rescue pain medications. Further research is warranted to test higher doses of ketamine for a clinically significant effect.

An analysis of oral microbial flora by T-RFLP in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

Even though the hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) procedure has been improved, oral mucositis (OM) is still a severe complication of the conditioning regimen. We investigated the association between OM severity and the alteration of oral bacterial flora using 16S rRNA gene-based terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis in 19 consecutive patients undergoing HSCT. Oral samples were collected at pre-transplantation, at the peak of mucositis and post-engraftment. T-RFLP profiles for each timepoint were constructed into an X-Y matrix, and the distances between timepoints were calculated. Patients with severe and moderate OM had larger changes in their oral bacterial flora from before HSCT to peak of mucositis than controls (p = 0.031 and 0.016, respectively). Moreover, severe mucositis was significantly associated with an extended period of fever until engraftment, high maximum C-reactive protein levels, and prolonged periods of opioid treatment and intravenous hyper-alimentation. These findings suggest that mucositis severity is associated with the magnitude of change in the oral bacterial flora. This novel finding may help advance strategies for the prevention or treatment of OM after HSCT.

Prediction of mucositis risk secondary to cancer therapy: a systematic review of current evidence and call to action

PURPOSE

Despite advances in personalizing the efficacy of cancer therapy, our ability to identify patients at risk of severe treatment side effects and provide individualized supportive care is limited. This is particularly the case for mucositis (oral and gastrointestinal), with no comprehensive risk evaluation strategies to identify high-risk patients. We, the Multinational Association for Supportive Care in Cancer/International Society for Oral Oncology (MASCC/ISOO) Mucositis Study Group, therefore aimed to systematically review current evidence on that factors that influence mucositis risk to provide a foundation upon which future risk prediction studies can be based.

METHODS

We identified 11,018 papers from PubMed and Web of Science, with 197 records extracted for full review and 113 meeting final eligibility criteria. Data were then synthesized into tables to highlight the level of evidence for each risk predictor.

RESULTS

The strongest level of evidence supported dosimetric parameters as key predictors of mucositis risk. Genetic variants in drug-metabolizing pathways, immune signaling, and cell injury/repair mechanisms were also identified to impact mucositis risk. Factors relating to the individual were variably linked to mucositis outcomes, although female sex and smoking status showed some association with mucositis risk.

CONCLUSION

Mucositis risk reflects the complex interplay between the host, tumor microenvironment, and treatment specifications, yet the large majority of studies rely on hypothesis-driven, single-candidate approaches. For significant advances in the provision of personalized supportive care, coordinated research efforts with robust multiplexed approaches are strongly advised.

Prospective evaluation of clinical symptoms of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in adult patients with acute leukemia: A preliminary study

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to prospectively evaluate the clinical features of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (CIOM) in adult patients with acute leukemia and the aggravating factors for such symptoms.

SUBJECTS

Thirty-seven prospective patients aged ≥19 years with acute leukemia undergoing chemotherapy were enrolled. Oral and clinical investigations were performed at baseline and on Day 14 after starting chemotherapy. The presence and severity of cancer-induced oral mucositis were demonstrated using the World Health Organization (WHO) scoring system.

RESULTS

On Day 14, we found that oral mucositis had developed in eight patients (21.6%). Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in patients was a predictor of increased WHO scores (β = 1.937, p < .001). Regarding oral sites, ventral tongue (β = 1.670), soft palate (β = 1.242), and buccal mucosa (β = 0.593) were predictors for increased scores. In addition, the increase in WHO scores was positively correlated with the number of oral lesions (r = .521), the difficulty in eating (r = .250), and the overall oral health (r = .534; all p < .05).

CONCLUSION

The main factors affecting the severity of CIOM symptoms were the treatment with HSCT and the location of oral lesions. The incidence of CIOM and WHO scores were not significantly different between the subgroups of disease. Our findings will help clinicians investigate the oral findings after chemotherapy in adult patients with acute leukemia.

The influence of dental care associated with laser therapy on oral mucositis during allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant: retrospective study

OBJECTIVE

To verify decrease in frequency and severity of oral mucositis in patients submitted to dental care and laser therapy during allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant.

METHODS

Medical records of patients submitted or not to dental care associated with laser therapy during allogeneic transplant were reviewed. The following data were collected: sex, age, underlying disease, myeloablative conditioning regimens, prophylaxis for graft versus host disease, extension and severity of oral mucositis, pain in the oral cavity and when swallowing, diarrhea, need of peripheral parenteral nutrition and presence of acute graft versus host disease.

RESULTS

Significant reduction in extension and severity of oral mucositis, as well as in frequency of oral cavity pain, was observed in patients with dental care/laser therapy (p < 0.01). There were no statistically significant differences regarding frequency of diarrhea, pain when swallowing, and need of parenteral nutrition among the groups. Significant association was found between acute graft versus host disease and pain when swallowing (p < 0.01). Acute graft versus host disease was not associated with oral mucositis severity, oral cavity pain, and diarrhea.

CONCLUSION

Dental care associated with laser therapy reduces the extension and severity of oral mucositis in patients with allogeneic hematopoietic transplant. Further studies are necessary to clarify the isolate efficacy of laser therapy in these conditions, mainly regarding the influence of reduced oral mucositis on the graft versus host disease.

Busulfan fludarabine vs busulfan cyclophosphamide as a preparative regimen before allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation: systematic review and meta-analysis

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and toxicity profile of busulfan-fludarabine (Bu-Flu) compared with busulfan-cyclophosphamide (Bu-Cy) as a preparative regimen for patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of all comparative trials, both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized. Our search yielded 15 trials recruiting 1830 patients. Four trials were RCTs and 11 were either one-arm intervention trials compared with historical controls or retrospective studies. There was a lower risk for non-relapse mortality (NRM) at 100 days in patients given Bu-Flu regimen compared with those given Bu-Cy regimen (relative risk (RR) 0.56; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34-0.92, 8 trials); however, there were no differences in all-cause mortality at 100 days (RR 0.85; 95% CI 0.56-1.30, 9 trials) and at the end of study (RR 0.81; 95% CI 0.64-1.02, 13 trials). The risks of sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (SOS) and microbiologically documented infections were lower in patients given Bu-Flu regimen (RR 0.34; 95% CI 0.19-0.62, 8 trials and RR 0.79; 95% CI 0.64-0.97, 2 trials, respectively); however, risk for SOS was no longer lower when performing sensitivity analysis according to RCTs. Engraftment kinetics, risk of grade 3-4 mucositis, GvHD, relapse and NRM at the end of the study were all similar between the two groups. We conclude that both regimens have similar efficacy profiles, whereas toxicity is lower with the Bu-Flu regimen.

The Incidence and Severity of Oral Mucositis among Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Patients: A Systematic Review

Oral mucositis (OM) is a debilitating early adverse effect of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). The intensity of the conditioning regimen correlates with the incidence and severity of OM, but no studies have analyzed this relationship among various conditioning regimens. We performed a systematic review on the incidence and outcomes of OM in allogeneic HSCT patients and analyzed this association. A comprehensive search of several databases (Ovid Medline In-Process & Other Non-Indexed Citations, Ovid MEDLINE, Ovid EMBASE, Cochrane CRCT, Cochrane DSR, Scopus) from 1990 to 2014 for studies of OM in allogeneic HSCT patients was conducted. Professional societies' meeting abstracts were also searched. Grade of OM was analyzed based on the World Health Organization (WHO) or National Cancer Institutes (NCI) Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events scales. Severe mucositis was defined as either grades 2 to 4 or grades 3 and 4, depending on the studies' definition of severity. Cohorts were analyzed based on regimen intensity; ie, reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) (including nonmyeloablative) and myeloablative (MA). Random effect (RE) and standard logistic models weighted by the number of patients in each cohort were used for comparisons. A total of 624 studies were generated from the search. Of the 395 patients in 8 eligible MA regimen studies, 73.2% experienced any OM, whereas in 245 patients in the 6 eligible RIC regimen studies, 86.5% experienced any OM (chi-square P < .0001; RE, P = .05). Severe (grades 2 to 4) OM occurred among 79.7% of the WHO/NCI-graded MA patients and 71.5% of RIC patients (chi-square, P = .0421; RE, P < .01). In comparing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis, only 55.4% of patients receiving nonmethotrexate regimens experienced OM; this was lower (chi-square, P < .0001; RE, P = .06) than that found among patients who received methotrexate (83.4%), either standard or reduced dose. Besides NCI and WHO grading scales, other scales included in the studies were Oral Mucositis Index, the Southwest Oncology Group Criteria, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group scale. To our knowledge, this is the first analysis on OM in allogeneic HSCT patients with respect to conditioning regimens, and we observed that RIC regimens led to a high incidence of OM similar to that of MA regimens. Clinical trials on treatment of OM are lacking, emphasizing the essential need for prospective studies in this arena. A significant variance in the criteria for grading OM underscores the importance of establishing a standard grading system for OM measurement in future allogeneic HSCT clinical trials.

[Mucositis after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: Risk factors, clinical consequences and prophylaxis]

AIM

Oral mucositis is a very common complication of allograft. However, preventive treatments are still limited. The objective of this study is to identify risk factors for onset of oral mucositis in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells transplantation (HSCT), to measure clinical consequences and to study their evolution according to type of prevention.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

All patients undergoing HSCT in hematology unit of CHU Besançon between January 2009 and August 2010 were included, and received according to their choice, either the standard protocol: solution of sodium bicarbonate 1.4% associated with chlorhexidine-chlorobutanol (Eludril(®)) (n=49), or the experimental treatment by the ionic solution, Caphosol(®) (n=42).

RESULTS

The overall incidence of severe mucositis and mucositis is respectively 69% and 36%. In multivariate analysis, a myeloablative conditioning (OR=11.1) and prevention of GVHD (graft-versus-host disease) including methotrexate (OR=7.5) appear such as the two significant mucositis risk factors. The presence of mucositis resulting in a significant increase in the incidence of febrile aplasia (P=0.008) and the use of opioid analgesics and parenteral nutrition (P<10(-3)). The risk of acute gastrointestinal GVHD is also increased in severe mucositis (P=0.01). The duration of post-transplant hospitalization is not changed. The type of prevention does not influence the incidence of mucositis (P=0.11).

CONCLUSION

The consequences of mucositis are significant and the risk factors identified. The interest of the ionic solution Caphosol(®) seems limited, the incidence of mucositis is not decreased by this prevention.

Oral complications in hematopoietic stem cell recipients: the role of inflammation

Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is widely used as a potentially curative treatment for patients with various hematological malignancies, bone marrow failure syndromes, and congenital immune deficiencies. The prevalence of oral complications in both autologous and allogeneic HSCT recipients remains high, despite advances in transplant medicine and in supportive care. Frequently encountered oral complications include mucositis, infections, oral dryness, taste changes, and graft versus host disease in allogeneic HSCT. Oral complications are associated with substantial morbidity and in some cases with increased mortality and may significantly affect quality of life, even many years after HSCT. Inflammatory processes are key in the pathobiology of most oral complications in HSCT recipients. This review article will discuss frequently encountered oral complications associated with HSCT focusing on the inflammatory pathways and inflammatory mediators involved in their pathogenesis.

Efficacy of cryotherapy associated with laser therapy for decreasing severity of melphalan-induced oral mucositis during hematological stem-cell transplantation: a prospective clinical study

Melphalan followed by hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (HSCT) is the standard treatment for multiple myeloma and other hematopoietic neoplasms. However, high doses of melphalan cause severe oral mucositis (OM). The objective was to verify the efficacy of cryotherapy plus laser therapy on reduction of OM severity. HSCT patients undergoing melphalan chemotherapy (n = 71) were randomly divided into two groups according to OM treatment: oral cryotherapy performed with ice chips for 1 h 35 min followed by low-level laser therapy (InGaAIP, 660 nm, 40 mW, 6 J/cm(2) ) (n = 54) and laser therapy alone with the same protocol (n = 17). A control group (n = 33) was composed of HSCT patients treated with melphalan who received no specific treatment for OM. OM scores and clinical information were collected from D0 to D + 11. The cryotherapy/laser therapy group showed the lowest OM scores (maximum Grade I) and the lowest mean number of days (8 days) with OM in comparison with the other groups (p < 0.001). OM Grades III and IV were present with high frequency only in the control group. The association of cryotherapy with laser therapy was effective in reducing OM severity in HSCT patients who underwent melphalan conditioning.

Combination of low-dose mycophenolate mofetil with cyclosporine and methotrexate as GVHD prophylaxis in unrelated donor allogeneic stem cell transplantation

We report the results of HLA-matched unrelated donor allogeneic stem cell transplantation with new GVHD prophylaxis regimen consisted of cyclosporine, methotrexate and low-dose mycophenolate mofetil in 139 patients with hematologic malignancies. The incidence of grades II-IV and III-IV acute GVHD were 43.0% and 17.3%, respectively. The incidence of chronic GVHD was 42.1%, with 16.5% extensive grade. The cumulative incidence of transplant-related mortality at 100 days and 3 years were 7.9% and 29.7%, respectively. Three-year overall survival, disease-free survival and relapse incidence were 58.7%, 55.3% and 19.6%, respectively. These results suggest the new regime may be effective for the prophylaxis of acute and chronic GVHD in unrelated donor transplantation.

Platelet lysate mucohadesive formulation to treat oral mucositis in graft versus host disease patients: a new therapeutic approach

Optimal treatment of oral mucositis (OM) due to graft versus host disease (GvHD) is currently not available. Platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs) have high capability for tissue healing and may play a role in repairing the mucosal barrier. The aim of the present work was to develop a mucoadhesive formulation to administer platelet lysate to oral cavity prolonging contact time of platelet lysate with oral mucosa. The mucoadhesive formulation was characterized for in vitro properties (PDGF-AB concentration, mucoadhesive properties, cytotoxicity, fibroblast proliferation, wound healing). Moreover, a preliminary clinical study on seven GvHD patients with OM refractory to other therapies was conducted, to evaluate feasibility, safety, and efficacy. GVPL (mucoadhesive gel vehicle mixed with platelet lysate)showed good mucoadhesive properties; additionally, it was characterized by good biocompatibility in vitro on fibroblasts and it was able to enhance fibroblast proliferation and wound healing, maintaining the efficacy for up to 14 days following storage at 2-8°C. In vivo, clinical response was good-to-complete in five, fair in one, none in the remaining one. The in vitro results indicate that GVPL has optimal mucoadhesive and healing enhancer properties, maintained over time (up to 14 days); preliminary clinical results suggest that oral application of platelet lysate-loaded mucoadhesive formulation is feasible, safe, well tolerated, and effective. A larger controlled randomized study is needed.

A comparison of oral mucositis in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation between conventional and reduced-intensity regimens

Severe oral mucositis developed in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) accompanies intolerable pain and risk for systemic bacteremia infection. Conventional stem cell transplantation (CST) and reduced-intensity regimens for allogeneic HSCT (RIST) may differently affect the occurrence and severity of oral mucositis. Here, we comparatively examined oral mucositis in patients undergoing CST and that in RIST patients to search for measures to alleviate oral mucositis. We retrospectively analyzed the data of 130 consecutive patients undergoing HSCT (conventional, 60; RIST, 70). Oral mucositis was evaluated according to the National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0. We also investigated the risk factors for severe oral mucositis in each regimen. The incidence of oral mucositis was not significantly different between RIST and CST patients. The use of opioid analgesics to control pain due to oral mucositis was significantly less in patients undergoing RIST compared with those receiving CST. The risk factors for severe oral mucositis, determined by univariate and multivariate analyses, were "younger age (<40)" in CST and "longer duration of neutropenia (≥ 14 days)" in RIST. Although the incidences of oral mucositis were almost the same, the need for opioid analgesics and the risk factors for severe oral mucositis differed between CST and RIST patients.

The risk factors for oral mucositis and the effect of cryotherapy in patients after the BEAM and HD-l-PAM 200 mg/m(2) autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation

PURPOSE

Oral mucositis (OM) still represents a significant complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCT). Observational studies focusing on risk factor definitions are still warranted.

METHOD

A total of 126 patients participated in this observational study after autologous HSCT with the BEAM and HD-l-PAM 200mg/m(2) conditioning regimens. Basic clinical and laboratory variables and their impact on OM were assessed.

RESULTS

Age, gender, body mass index, and baseline absolute neutrophil counts were not shown to have any negative impact on OM development. The multivariate analysis revealed oral cryotherapy non-provision as being the most significant predictor for OM incidence (p < 0.0001), followed by BEAM conditioning regimen (p = 0.007), OM in a patient's history (p = 0.002) and lower number of days since the last chemotherapy (p = 0.025). The cryotherapy was remarkably effective both in the single high-dose melphalan 200mg/m(2) conditioning regimen (18% OM in cryotherapy vs. 68% without it, p<0.0001) and in the multidrug BEAM (melphalan 140mg/m(2)) regimen (38% vs. 86%, p=0.006).

CONCLUSION

Oral cryotherapy should be implemented into supportive care management in patients treated with high-dose melphalan short-infusion chemotherapy. Large and well-designed randomized trials are necessary to obtain more significant and reliable results and understanding regarding OM risk factors.

Incidence and risk factors for lower alimentary tract mucositis after 1529 courses of chemotherapy in a homogenous population of oncology patients: clinical and research implications

BACKGROUND

Lower alimentary tract mucositis is a serious complication of chemotherapy. The aim of the study was to determine the incidence, risk factors, and mortality of lower alimentary tract mucositis in a homogeneous population of patients with newly diagnosed myeloma receiving similar antineoplastic therapy and standardized supportive care.

METHODS

Lower alimentary tract mucositis was evaluated among 303 consecutive patients with myeloma (2004-2007) enrolled in a clinical trial consisting of induction chemotherapy, tandem melphalan-based autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), and consolidation. Lower alimentary tract mucositis was defined as neutropenia-associated grade II-IV enteritis/colitis. Pretreatment risk factors were examined including body surface area (BSA), serum albumin (albumin), and estimated creatinine clearance (CrCl). Multiple logistic regression model was used to compute adjusted odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI).

RESULTS

Forty-seven (15.5%) patients developed lower alimentary tract mucositis during 1529 courses of chemotherapy (including 536 melphalan-based ASCT). Pre-enrollment BSA <2 m² (OR, 2.768; 95% CI, 1.200-6.381; P = .0169) increased the risk for lower alimentary tract mucositis, whereas higher albumin was protective (OR, 0.698; 95% CI, 0.519-0.940; P = .0177). Pretransplant variables associated with lower alimentary tract mucositis were BSA <2 m² (OR, 4.451; 95% CI, 1.459-13.58, P = .0087) and estimated CrCl <60 mL/min (OR, 3.493; 95% CI, 1.173-10.40; P = .0246). Higher albumin level conferred protection (OR, 0.500; 95% CI, 0.304-0.820; P = .0061). No lower alimentary tract mucositis-related death was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Lower alimentary tract mucositis is not uncommon among a homogenous population of oncology patients undergoing sequential courses of chemotherapy including melphalan-based ASCT but does not contribute to mortality. Lower BSA, renal function, and albumin are associated with increased risk for lower alimentary tract mucositis.