Effect of locally applied GM-CSF on oral mucositis after stem cell transplantation: a prospective placebo-controlled double-blind study.

Oral mucositis is a frequent side effect of myeloablative chemo- and radiotherapy preceding stem cell transplantation. It causes pain, poor food intake, and is a port of entry for infection. We studied whether GM-CSF applied topically in the oral cavity can prevent or ameliorate this mucositis.