Mucositis Cost Containment

Mucositis cost containment is pretty straightforward. Please don’t think that you need an expensive, FDA approved therapy to manage your chemo mouth.

I am a long-term survivor of a blood cancer called multiple myeloma. MM is a very expensive cancer to manage.

I don’t want to minimize the seriousness of mucositis as a side effect of chemotherapy and/or radiation. Chemo mouth can cause not only pain but disruption of the patient’s therapy while he/she heals.

My problem is illustrated by the two links below. A press release talking about “oral gel Gelclair” followed by an article talking about Gelclair’s maker’s stock jumping on the news. Yes, oncology is big business.

According to the first article linked below, a course of oral gel costs $17,000.00. I have a hard time thinking that Gelclair is $17,000 better than honey, probiotics, zinc, curcumin, etc. Many patients simply chew on ice as a mucositis preventative.

What are some evidence-based non-conventional therapies for mucositis?

1. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Evidence: Multiple studies have shown that LLLT (also called photobiomodulation) significantly reduces the severity of oral mucositis in cancer patients. The laser helps by promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation.
Mechanism: LLLT stimulates cellular metabolism, increasing tissue oxygenation and cell proliferation, which enhances healing and reduces pain.
Clinical Use: Recommended as a preventive and therapeutic measure, especially in patients undergoing head and neck radiotherapy or stem cell transplantation.

2. Honey

Evidence: Studies suggest that honey has antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indicate that honey can reduce the severity and duration of mucositis, particularly in patients undergoing radiotherapy.
Mechanism: Honey creates a protective barrier, reduces microbial growth, and promotes tissue healing through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
Clinical Use: Swishing or applying honey directly to the affected area after meals may help prevent and reduce mucositis.

3. Probiotics

Evidence: Some trials have explored the role of oral probiotics in reducing the incidence and severity of mucositis, particularly in chemotherapy-induced cases. Although the evidence is still emerging, certain strains (e.g., Lactobacillus rhamnosus) show promise in promoting oral health and immune responses.
Mechanism: Probiotics restore balance in the oral microbiome, potentially reducing the risk of infections that worsen mucositis.
Clinical Use: Probiotic lozenges or supplements may be used adjunctively with standard care.

4. Zinc Supplementation

Evidence: Zinc supplements have been shown to reduce the incidence and severity of oral mucositis in some cancer patients. A meta-analysis of clinical trials suggests it can speed up healing and reduce discomfort.
Mechanism: Zinc plays a crucial role in immune function, wound healing, and tissue repair, all of which are important in managing mucositis.
Clinical Use: Oral zinc lozenges or supplements may be recommended for patients, but consultation with a healthcare provider is essential due to potential interactions.

5. Curcumin

Evidence: Curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, has shown potential in preclinical and clinical studies to reduce inflammation and promote healing in mucositis. A few small trials demonstrated its effectiveness when used as an oral rinse.
Mechanism: Curcumin has strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, helping reduce tissue damage and inflammation in the oral mucosa.
Clinical Use: Curcumin-based mouthwashes or gels can be used, but more large-scale trials are needed to confirm optimal dosage and efficacy.

6. Aloe Vera

Evidence: Some clinical trials suggest that aloe vera gel can help soothe and heal mucositis ulcers. Its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties can aid in tissue repair.
Mechanism: Aloe vera contains compounds that reduce inflammation and promote cell regeneration, which may be beneficial for damaged mucosal tissue.
Clinical Use: Aloe vera mouth rinses or gels can be used to reduce the pain and duration of mucositis lesions.

7. Glutamine

Evidence: Glutamine, an amino acid, has been studied for its role in reducing mucositis in cancer patients. Some studies suggest that glutamine supplementation may decrease the severity and duration of mucositis.
Mechanism: Glutamine supports the health and regeneration of mucosal cells by providing energy for cell proliferation and repair.
Clinical Use: Oral glutamine supplements or rinses may be used as an adjunct to conventional treatments.

8. Chamomile

Evidence: Chamomile mouthwashes have been shown in small studies to reduce the pain and severity of mucositis due to its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Mechanism: Chamomile contains compounds that reduce inflammation and promote healing, making it a gentle option for oral care.
Clinical Use: Chamomile tea or mouthwash can be used several times a day to soothe the affected mucosa.

9. Cannabinoids (CBD)

Evidence: Preliminary studies suggest that cannabinoids, particularly cannabidiol (CBD), may have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects useful in managing mucositis symptoms. While research is still limited, some patients report improved pain control with CBD products.
Mechanism: CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system to modulate pain and inflammation, potentially easing the discomfort associated with mucositis.
Clinical Use: Topical CBD products or oral rinses are being explored but require more research for standard clinical recommendations.

10. Acupuncture

Evidence: A few clinical trials indicate that acupuncture may help in reducing the pain and severity of mucositis, particularly in head and neck cancer patients. While data are still preliminary, patients have reported symptom relief.
Mechanism: Acupuncture may stimulate healing and reduce inflammation by promoting local blood flow and releasing endorphins.
Clinical Use: Acupuncture can be used as part of an integrative care approach, typically alongside standard treatments.

Cancer is an expensive health condition to manage. Mucositis cost containment is easy. Shame on conventional oncology for promoting an expensive therapy instead of an inexpensive, non-conventional therapy.

Email me if you have any questions- David.PeopleBeatingCancer@gmail.com

Thank you,

David Emerson

Cancer Survivor
Cancer Coach
Director PeopleBeatingCancer

Treatment for Chemo Mouth May Alleviate Effects from Chemotherapy, Radiotherapy

“The prescription oral gel Gelclair to relieve pain associated with oral mucositis — also called “chemo mouth” — has been launched in the United States, according to a press release from Jaguar Health.

Oral mucositis is inflammation of the mouth’s mucous membranes and, according to Cleveland Clinic, can lead to white patches of puss and sores in the mouth. It is a common side effect of chemotherapy and radiation therapy, with nearly 40% of all patients treated with chemotherapy developing this complication, per the release. Oral mucositis also occurs in nearly 90% of patients with head and neck cancers treated with radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

“A key attribute in the management of head and neck cancer patients with Gelclair is, in my experience, to delay the onset, which may decrease the severity of oral mucositis, allowing the patients to continue meeting their nutritional needs without having to go on a feeding tube, supporting their ability to withstand their six weeks of radiation therapy without having to go to lower doses or treatment disruption, and to avoid the need for heavy prescription meds for oral mucositis-related pain,” Dr. Maged Ghaly, a radiation oncologist at Northwell Health Cancer Institute at Monter Cancer Center in North New Hyde Park, New York, said in the press release.

The release also noted that approximately 19% of patients with head and neck cancer treated with radiotherapy may be hospitalized because of oral mucositis, which may lead to a delay in chemotherapy. This can also lead to a worse prognosis, reduction in quality of life and increase in patient management costs.

The release noted findings from a third-party study on the costs associated with mucositis/pharyngitis (inflammation of the back of the throat), which occurred in 70.1% of 99 patients in the study with head and neck cancers. In this study, the incremental costs of oral mucositis in these patients exceeded $17,000.

Small-cap biotech Jaguar Health’s stock jumps as it launches treatment for a painful side effect of cancer treatment

The stock of small-cap biotech Jaguar Health Inc. rose 3% on Wednesday, after the company launched its gelclair treatment for oral mucositis, a common side effect suffered by head and neck cancer patients…

“Up to 40% of all patients treated with chemotherapy develop oral mucositis, and this percentage rises to approximately 90% for patients with head and neck cancers treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy…”

mucositis cost containment mucositis cost containment

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