Zeitschrift für Integrative Onkologie

Effects of Oral Rinse using Lemon-Flavored Water with or without Rebamipide on Fluoropyrimidine-Induced Stomatitis

Abstract

Megumi Kabeya, Kenji Ina, Shu Yuasa, Fumi Kikuchi, Chiharu Tajiri, Tae Kato, Satoshi Hibi, Yoko Minagawa, Ryuichi Furuta, Takaki Kikuchi, Takashi Kanamori, Satoshi Kayukawa and Takae Kataoka

Aim: To examine the efficacy of oral rinsing against chemotherapy-induced stomatitis.
Methods: Consecutive fluoropyrimidine-treated patients with stomach and colorectal cancer were enrolled from April 2009 to March 2011 (n=43; Group 1) and from January 2012 to December 2012 (n=45; Group 2). The incidence and severity of stomatitis were compared between Group 1 patients, who were instructed to gargle with lemonflavored water 6 times daily, and Group 2 patients, who did not receive any specific guidance. Among patients in the gargle group, we determined the rate of gargling compliance as well as quality of life (QOL) scores, and evaluated the impact of rebamipide use on patient outcomes.
Results: The incidence of stomatitis was significantly reduced in Group 1 (14.0%) compared to that in Group 2 (33.3%) and its severity in the former group was milder. Among patients using lemon-flavored water, concomitant rebamipide use had no statistically significant impact on stomatitis incidence (with versus without rebamipide, 19.0% versus 9.0%), the rate of gargling compliance (96.4% versus 94.2%), or QOL scores.
Conclusions: Oral rinse with lemon-flavored water is useful for the symptomatic control of fluoropyrimidineinduced stomatitis, regardless of the presence or absence of rebamipide.