Evaluating Chinese Medicine Oral Rinse for Irradiated Oral Mucositis in Head & Neck Cancer Patients

Approximately 60% and 90% of patients with head and neck (H&N) cancers receiving standard radiotherapy (RT) and chemoradiotherapy (chemo-RT) will develop oral mucositis respectively. Oral mucositis (OM) is one of the dose-limiting adverse events which can also lead to emotional and nutritional problems. Clinically, it is usually observed by the end of first week of RT (after 10 Gy) and reaches peak damage in 14-21 days or by the end of treatment. Healing then takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks after completion of RT. For the Chinese Medicine (CM) interventions, many studies have been reviewed on the efficacy of mouthwash or internal herbal decoction to OM. Although some positive results were observed, most of them were performed by applying different assessment tools and lack of quality of life (QOL) or self-reported symptoms assessment. In addition, the intervention time and follow-up period were usually insufficient (stopped at the end of RT), therefore they could not review the long-term efficacy of CM according to normal progression of OM and the safety of using CM. Therefore, we hope this pilot study can evaluate the efficacy and safety of CM in a strict protocol.

Inclusion Criteria: Patients whoare aged ≥18, with known diagnosis of non-metastatic hypopharyngeal cancer, laryngeal cancer, lip and oral cavity cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, paranasal sinus and nasal cavity cancer, and salivary gland cancer.are the first time to receive RT to the primary tumor in the area of the head or face, neck, or oral cavity.start RT recently within 14 days.are assessed by CMPs for the condition of oral mucositis according to modified World Health Organization (WHO) Mucositis Grades with Grade ≦1.have Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) ≥ 60 (patients require occasional assistance, but is able to care for most personal needs will be 60 or above).are able to read or understand and sign the consent form.Exclusion Criteria: Patients whoreceive concurrent chemo-radiation.have known medication on bacterial or fungal infections of oropharynx at recruitment.have other known diseases such as serious and uncontrolled Diabetes mellitus (with symptom of delayed wound healing over the past half year) or hyperthyroidism (with symptom of serious oral dryness over the past half year), known connective vascular disorders or known Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infections etc.have known history of allergy to CMORF-I ingredients or Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) patients.are known pregnant or breastfeeding.