Clinicians’ experience with topical benzydamine and morphine for the management of oral mucositis: adverse effects and barriers

Introduction: Among the evidence-based agents outlined in the Multinational Association of Supportive Care in Cancer/International Society of Oral Oncology (MASCC/ISOO) mucositis guidelines, benzydamine and morphine are advised for the management of oral mucositis (OM) in certain cancer patients. This study is aimed to collect information from a group of highly experienced healthcare professionals in the field of oral mucositis about their clinical experience with these agents. Methods: A survey questionnaire about the clinical experience with topical benzydamine and morphine to manage oral mucositis and their related adverse effects (AEs) was electronically distributed to the members of the Mucositis Study Group of MASCC/ISOO. Results: Eighty-eight entries were recorded (response rate 25%), and 54 entries submitted complete questionnaires about the drug-related AE (completion rate 65%) and were used for the data analysis. Of the respondents, 44% and 27.7% prescribed benzydamine and morphine to manage their patients’ oral mucositis, respectively. Lack of availability in the respondent’s country was the common reason for not prescribing benzydamine and morphine (18.9% and 5.4%, respectively); however, a large portion of the respondents indicated that ‘another reason’ stopped them from prescribing these agents (51.3% and 73%, respectively). AEs to benzydamine or morphine were observed by 25.9% and 12.9% of respondents, respectively, with mild numbness and tingling as the most common drug-related AE for both agents. Conclusion: The use of topical benzydamine and morphine for the management of OM varies between countries. While relatively common, the AEs related to these agents are mild. Mitigating the barriers for prescribing them may increase their use.