Biography
Biography: James Ratcliff
Abstract
Mouth sores, mouth ulcers, or Oral Mucositis (OM) are abrasions of the mucosal layer of the oral cavity. OM is an
important issue for cancer patients since most patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy face a risk of
developing OM. In some patients these ulcers become so severe that they have to delay or discontinue the cancer treatment.
Th e objective of the project was to conduct a systematic search for most prevalent drugs and type of cancers associated with
OM, a knowledge not well documented. Our research on the extent of cancer drugs leading to OM revealed that about 38 drugs
cause OM in >30% of the patients. Secondly, an analysis of number of drugs that cause OM in diff erent cancers revealed that 20
drugs cause OM in breast cancer, 19 in lung cancer, 16 in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, 13 in acute lymphocytic leukemia, 12 in
melanoma and 11 in ovarian cancer. Further, the data from NCI website revealed fi ve cancers – Bladder, breast, colorectal, lung,
and prostate – Encompass a signifi cant population of patients that are suff ering from OM induced by chemotherapy. Oft en
medical professionals circumvent OM by maintaining good oral health e.g., by regular use of oral rinse. However, most oral
rinses contain alcohol and cannot be used by patients with OM. ClÅSYS oral rinses are alcohol free, sulfate free, pH balanced
and contain stabilized chlorine dioxide. Because of its non-irritating nature and antibacterial and sanitizing properties of
stabilized chlorine dioxide, ClÅSYS unfl avored oral rinse is most appropriate choice for circumventing OM in cancer patients.
About 40 customers and 140 Dentists and Hygienists responded to our survey. Most respondents recorded relief using ClÅSYS
oral rinse in conditions such as dry mouth and mouth sores.