Treating oral mucositis with a supersaturated calcium phosphate rinse: comparison with control in patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

Purpose: Of patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), 75% or more experience oral mucositis, a painful acute complication that can delay discharge, interrupt treatment, and threaten life. To evaluate the efficacy of a supersaturated calcium phosphate rinse (SCPR), we compared it with customary care--topical mouth solutions--on measures of severity and consequent interventions and complications.

Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 40 patients undergoing allogeneic HSCT were randomized: 20 to SCPR four times daily and 20 to solutions made with salvia leaf extract, iodine-povidine, and fluconazole.