Managing cancer treatment side effects

Cancer patients often fear the treatment as much as the disease. Most traditional cancer therapies work by destroying cancer cells, but they can also damage some normal cells in the process, leading to such well-known side effects as hair loss, nausea and fatigue.

Many lesser-known side effects such as nerve damage, infections, constipation and inflammation of the mouth and throat can also seriously impact quality of life. Without proper management, these afflictions can become so debilitating that cancer treatments are sometimes delayed or even terminated because patients can no longer tolerate the suffering.

One of the most painful side effects of chemotherapy and radiation is oral mucositis, caused by the destruction of the protective tissue lining the mouth, gums, tongue, throat and esophagus. The result is inflammation, open sores and a burning sensation that patients often describe as having sunburn inside their mouth.

Oral mucositis afflicts almost half of all cancer patients, and the pain can be so severe that eating, drinking and even talking becomes excruciating. The sores can also become infected, prolonging recovery. Studies have shown that four times as many cancer patients with oral mucositis take an unplanned break from treatment and three times as many are hospitalized as those who never develop the complication.

Until recently there was little that could be done for patients suffering from oral mucositis. The most common treatment, referred to as "magic mouthwash," is a combination of Lidocaine, Maalox and an antibiotic, created by a pharmacist or oncologist designed to temporarily ease the pain.

Patients now have an option to treat this condition from day one of cancer therapy, a gel-like mouthwash that shields the mouth and esophagus from oral mucositis. MuGard from Access Pharmaceuticals creates a soothing protective barrier against the harsh chemotherapy and radiation that kills off the cells lining the mouth. Patients rinse and swallow the mouthwash four to six times daily from the start of their cancer treatment to the end. In clinical trials, MuGard was shown to prevent oral mucositis in 43 percent of patients with head and neck cancer, a population particularly susceptible to the condition. It also improved the sores and other symptoms in 75 percent of patients who had already developed oral mucositis. The mouth rinse has no known side effects.

Other research indicates that people with oral mucositis should avoid painful foods, including those that are acidic and spicy, or those that are sharp and crunchy as these could further irritate the mouth. Softer foods cut into bite size pieces, and food that is room temperature may be easier to eat. Those with mouth sores may also want to consider eating smaller meals more frequently rather than eating a large meal. Finally, using a straw may be helpful as this could potentially keep liquids away from the painful mouth sores.

Visit www.MuGard.com for more information.