Prevention of 5-fluorouracil-related stomatitis by oral cryotherapy: A randomized controlled study E. Papadeasa, , S. Naxakisa, , M. Rigaa, , and Ch. Kalofonosb aENT Department, University Hospital of Patras, 26500 Rio Patras, Greece bOncology Department, University Hospital of Patras, 26500 Rio Patras, Greece Summary Stomatitis is a common adverse effect of intravenously infused 5-fluorouracil (5FU). Although there are encouraging studies about the preventive role of oral cryotherapy in stomatitis induced by intravenous administration of 5FU, this simple and cost-effective method is not part of clinical practice. This prospective randomized study investigates whether oral cryotherapy alleviates 5FU-induced stomatitis. Thirty six patients, included in the cryotherapy group, were instructed to hold ice cubes in their oral cavity, shortly before, during and shortly after the infusion of 5FU. Both mean physician and patient-graded stomatitis of our cryotherapy group were compared with those of a control group (40 patients) and were found significantly reduced for all three chemotherapy cycles. The percentage of patients who were free from oral toxicity was significantly higher in the cryotherapy group in all three chemotherapy cycles, as judged both by patients and physicians. The results of this study encourage the use of cryotherapy in patients receiving 5FU in alleviating stomatitis by using a side-effect-free, easy to perform and inexpensive measure, which does not interfere with the efficacy of antineoplastic agents. Definition of stomatitis: Inflammation of the mucous lining of any of the structures in the mouth, which may involve the cheeks, gums, tongue, lips, and roof or floor of the mouth. The word "stomatitis" literally means inflammation of the mouth. Stomatitis is usually a painful condition, associated with redness, swelling, and occasional bleeding from the affected area. Bad breath (halitosis) may also accompany the condition. HealthAtoZ.com European Journal of Oncology Nursing Volume 11, Issue 1, February 2007, Pages 60-65 Remember we are NOT Doctors and have NO medical training. This site is like an Encylopedia - there are many pages, many links on many topics. Support our work with any size DONATION - see left side of any page - for how to donate. You can help raise awareness of CAM.