Clinical Investigation Of Use Of Episil® Oral Solution In Oral Mucositis During Radiotherapy For Head And Neck Cancer

Abstract Objective: Episil® is a bioadhesive barrier-forming oral liquid gel that has been used in recent years to relieve pain at the onset of oral mucositis (OM) associated with radiotherapy (RT) or chemoradiotherapy (CRT) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). We retrospectively analyzed the clinical effect of Episil® on OM in patients with HNC who underwent RT or CRT. Patients and Methods: A total of 65 patients with HNC were treated with RT or CRT at our hospital between June 2018 and May 2020. Among the 65 tumors, 64 were histologically confirmed as squamous cell carcinomas, and one malignant lymphoma. Results: The median total RT dose was 50 Gy (range, 30–70 Gy) and the completion rate of RT was 63/65 (97%). The median time to OM resolution was 47 (6–90) days and was significantly longer (53 [27–90] days) when the total RT dose was ³51 Gy (p<0.001). Episil® was used in 26 patients; among them, 10 of whom discontinued its use due to several factors including ineffective pain relief, usage difficulties, and taste intolerance. The median duration of use was 30 (1–52) days and was significantly longer (34.5 [10–52] days) (p<0.001) when patients experienced pain relief at treatment initiation. Conclusion: Although Episil® has been shown to be effective in improving the pain of OM caused by RT of HNC patients. Episil® needs to be improved, and medical professionals are required to give careful attention to each individual patient.