International Journal of Hematology and Oncology 2023, Vol 33, Num 4 Page(s): 070-078
Effectiveness of rhGM-CSF Mouthwashes on Chemotherapy Induced Mucositis in Childhood Solid Tumors

Makbule EREN1, Canan AKYÜZ2, Bilgehan YALÇIN2, Ali VARAN2, Tezer KUTLUK2, Münevver BÜYÜKPAMUKÇU2

1Eskişehir Osmangazi Üniversitesi, Pediatrik Gastroenteroloji, Hepatoloji ve Beslenme Bilim Dalı, ESKİŞEHİR
2Hacettepe Üniversitesi Onkoloji Enstitüsü, Pediatrik Onkoloji Bilim Dalı, ANKARA

Keywords: GM-CSF, Oral mucositis, Child
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor mouthwashes on the reduction of Chemotheraphy induced oral mucositis.

Thirthy five children with different solid tumors were studied through 61 chemotherapy courses. In 32 courses patients were randomized to receive rhGM-CSF mouthwashes, whereas in 29 courses, patients were randomized into the control arm to receive a standart mouthwash composed of 0.2% clorhexidine, 1% sodium-bicarbonate, vitamin E, mycostatin and ranitidine seperate solutions. rhGM-CSF solution was prepared as 300 microgram of rhGM-CSF in 60 ml of isotonic saline and administered four times in a day. Treatment was continued at least for five days.

There was no difference between two groups regarding the grade and mean duration of oral mucositis. In the control and treatment groups, 62.1% and 81.3% of mucositis ended up with complete healing (p= 0.095). In case with severe mucositis, rhGM-CSF mouthwashes were found more effective than clorhexidine solution (p= 0.023). Mean mucositis duration was not different between two groups (Control group= 4.1 days, rhGM-CSF treated group= 5.2 days).Neutropenia was not found to be a determinant factor for the grade of mucositis.

The role of rhGM-CSF mouthwashes had no objective effect on reducing the severity and duration of Chemotherapyinduced mucositis in our small group of patients. But it was found to be superior to clorhexidine solution regarding complete healing in grade 3 and 4 mucositis. So it may be recommended in cases with severe mucositis.