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Mucositis — SCE Medical Oncology MCQ

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ModerateSupportive & Palliative OncologyMucositisSCE Medical Oncology

A 45-year-old woman receiving adjuvant chemotherapy for breast cancer develops severe mucositis (grade 3) with painful ulceration of the oral cavity preventing eating and drinking. What supportive care intervention has the strongest evidence for treatment?

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Correct answer: B — Benzydamine oral rinse

For chemotherapy-induced mucositis, benzydamine hydrochloride oral rinse has the strongest evidence base for treatment/prevention in patients receiving moderate-dose chemotherapy or head and neck radiotherapy (ESMO/MASCC guidelines). Oral cryotherapy (ice chips during bolus 5-FU) is effective for prevention with specific bolus regimens. Palifermin is specifically indicated for mucositis prevention in haematological patients receiving myeloablative conditioning. Good oral hygiene is foundational.

Reference: https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/conditions-and-diseases/cancer