Using a Steroid Mouthwash to Prevent Mouth Sores During Chemotherapy

Oral mucositis is a common and painful side effect of chemotherapy, particularly in patients receiving regimens such as anthracyclines and taxanes. It can lead to difficulty eating, drinking, and speaking, and may result in treatment delays or dose reductions. Recent studies suggest that prophylactic use of dexamethasone mouthwash may reduce the incidence and severity of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis. However, optimal dosing schedules and broader applicability across cancer types remain unclear.

The SMILE Study is a single-arm, prospective clinical trial designed to evaluate the effectiveness of dexamethasone mouthwash in preventing oral mucositis in adults receiving specific types of chemotherapy for cancer. Participants will be enrolled before beginning chemotherapy regimens known to be associated with a high risk of mucositis. All participants will receive dexamethasone mouthwash to use as a swish-and-spit rinse for 8 weeks.

The study will enroll at least 45 participants. Participants will be monitored throughout their chemotherapy treatment for signs and symptoms of oral mucositis, treatment adherence, and potential adverse events related to the mouthwash. Patient-reported outcomes will be collected using the Oral Mucositis Weekly Questionnaire (OMWQ), administered at routine infusion visits. Data on chemotherapy dose modifications or delays will also be recorded.

To assess effectiveness, the outcomes from the prospective cohort will be compared to a retrospective historical control group composed of patients previously treated at the same facility with similar chemotherapy regimens but who did not receive dexamethasone mouthwash. Data from the control group will be collected from the electronic medical record (EMR) and will include oral mucositis incidence and severity, chemotherapy regimens, and any treatment delays due to mucositis. Matching or statistical adjustment methods (e.g., multivariable regression) may be used to account for confounding variables.

The primary endpoint is the incidence of grade ≥2 oral mucositis during chemotherapy, graded per CTCAE v5.0. Secondary endpoints include overall mucositis severity, chemotherapy delays or reductions, patient-reported symptoms (pain, discomfort, interference with eating or speaking), and adherence to mouthwash use.

Risks related to the intervention are expected to be minimal and may include oral thrush, burning sensation, or changes in taste. Dexamethasone is generally well tolerated in topical formulations, and safety monitoring will focus on local and systemic reactions potentially linked to steroid use.

There is no cost to participate in the study. All study activities are conducted as part of routine care at Woman's Cancer Pavilion. The study is funded by a grant from the Foundation for Woman's.

This study will not collect biospecimens. No genetic testing will be performed. Only de-identified data will be used in any publication or external reporting. Identifiable information from the prospective and historical cohorts will be stored securely in compliance with institutional and federal regulations.

This research aims to generate evidence to support proactive, standardized interventions to prevent chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis and improve supportive care for patients undergoing cancer treatment.

Inclusion criteria

• ≥18 years old
• Confirmed cancer diagnosis
• Scheduled to receive or receiving chemotherapy known to be associated with oral mucositis (e.g., anthracyclines and taxanes)
• Ability to provide informed consent
• Ability to comply with study procedures

Exclusion criteria

• Current tobacco usage or usage within the past 6 weeks.
• HIV/AIDS
• Gastrointestinal disorder (such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or celiac disease)
• History of cold sores (herpes simplex virus)
• Herpes zoster (oral shingles) within the past 6 weeks
• Active oral infections at the time of enrollment (e.g., candidiasis)
• Known sensitivity or allergy to dexamethasone
• Inability to self-administer or tolerate mouthwash protocol
• Concurrent enrollment in conflicting clinical trials
• Existing oral ulcers or oral mucositis at enrollment
• Pregnant
• Uncontrolled diabetes mellitus as defined by HbA1c unknown or >8% in the past 3 months despite adequate therapy