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VIDEO: Dexamethasone mouthwash reduces everolimus-induced stomatitis in patients with metastatic breast cancer
An over-the-counter, alcohol free dexamethasone mouthwash almost entirely eliminated grade 3 stomatitis in patients with metastatic breast cancer, according to research Hope S. Rugo, MD, of University of California, San Francisco, presented at the ASCO Annual Meeting.
The dexamethasone mouthwash also markedly reduced the rate of grade 2 stomatitis induced by everolimus (Afinitor, Novartis), according to Rugo.
“The trial was small, but because all of the patients received treatment we feel fairly confident in the results and do feel that the use of prophylactic steroid for patients who are starting everolimus and exemestane (Aromasin, Pfizer) for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer should become a new approach to reducing the toxicity and improving the quality of life in these patients,” she said.