The efficacy of Polyvynilpyrrolidone-Zn Gluconate and Taurine in the Prevention of Oral Mucositis in Haematological Patients

Oral mucositis (OM) is a significant problem in patients undergoing standard or high-dose chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy for the management of haematological disorders, associated with patient morbidity and increased resource use. The OM management relies on supportive care and symptom palliation. This study evaluates the results of Polyvynilpyrrolidone-Zn gluconate and taurine (GelX� Oral Spray) in this setting. This is an observational, retrospective study, conducted on 145 paediatric and adult patients. All patients received GelX� Oral Spray as prophylaxis for OM. The research was supported by BMG Pharma S.p.A. The prevention of OM in patients treated with GelX� Oral Spray was reached in 54 patients (37.24%), 22 adults (22.22%) and 32 children (69.56%). A total number of 52 patients (35.86%) developed severe OM when GelX� was used as preventive treatment, 40 adults (40.4%) adults and 12 children (26.08%). Grade 4 OM developed in 16 patients (11.03%), 10 adults and 1 child (68.75%) had a complete remission of OM, while 3 adults and 2 children (31.25%) had partial remission. No patient had to interrupt chemo/radiotherapy due to OM. GelX� Oral Spray was considered safe, no adverse device effect or severe adverse device effect were considered related to the use of the product. This retrospective study supports prophylactic use of GelX� Oral Spray to minimize the risk of OM secondary to chemo/radiotherapy.