Table 3

Guidelines for management of oral cGVHD

TreatmentConsiderations
Oral mucosal cGVHD Generalized disease
  • Dexamethasone solution 0.5 mg/5 mL, 5 mL swish 5 minutes and spit, 2-4 times/day

  • Clobetasol 0.05% solution • Budesonide mouthwash (3 mg/10 mL)

  • Tacrolimus 0.1% solution


Focal disease (eg, solitary painful ulcers)
  • Fluocinonide 0.05% gel, 2-4 times/day

  • Clobetasol 0.05% gel, 2-4 times/day

  • Intralesional triamcinolone therapyLips

  • Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment, 2-4 times/day

 
Instruct patients to wait 10-15 minutes after topical therapy before eating/drinking Gels can be applied with gauze and left in place 10-15 minutes Solutions: begin with dexamethasone, if inadequate response after 2-4 wks (4 times a day), substitute with clobetasol (budesonide can also be used). If after 2-4 wks still inadequate control, add tacrolimus and use equal parts with clobetasol as a single combined rinse Secondary candidiasis, typically occurs in first week, in addition to treatment most will require prophylaxis. Prophylaxis regimens include daily topical antifungal therapy or fluconazole 200 mg once/wk 
Salivary gland cGVHD   
    Xerostomia Salivary stimulants (gum/candy)
Oral-moisturizing agents
Sialogogue therapy
  • Pilocarpine 5 mg 3 times a day

  • Cevimeline 30 mg 3 times a day

 
Sugar-free or xylitol-containing gum/candy Sialogogues may take 8-12 wks for full efficacy Avoid sialogogues in patients with pulmonary disease 
    Dental caries Good oral hygiene
Avoid sugary foods/drinks
Topical fluoride therapy
Remineralization therapy
Regular dental visits 
See Table 4 for detailed guidelines 
    Candidiasis Fluconazole Topical steroid therapy increases risk of candidiasis 
 Disinfect removable prosthesis nightly Antifungal prophylaxis for recurrent candidiasis 
Sclerotic cGVHD Physical therapy Condition is generally progressive and requires ongoing therapy 
 Intralesional steroid therapy  
 Surgery to disrupt mucosal bands  
TreatmentConsiderations
Oral mucosal cGVHD Generalized disease
  • Dexamethasone solution 0.5 mg/5 mL, 5 mL swish 5 minutes and spit, 2-4 times/day

  • Clobetasol 0.05% solution • Budesonide mouthwash (3 mg/10 mL)

  • Tacrolimus 0.1% solution


Focal disease (eg, solitary painful ulcers)
  • Fluocinonide 0.05% gel, 2-4 times/day

  • Clobetasol 0.05% gel, 2-4 times/day

  • Intralesional triamcinolone therapyLips

  • Tacrolimus 0.1% ointment, 2-4 times/day

 
Instruct patients to wait 10-15 minutes after topical therapy before eating/drinking Gels can be applied with gauze and left in place 10-15 minutes Solutions: begin with dexamethasone, if inadequate response after 2-4 wks (4 times a day), substitute with clobetasol (budesonide can also be used). If after 2-4 wks still inadequate control, add tacrolimus and use equal parts with clobetasol as a single combined rinse Secondary candidiasis, typically occurs in first week, in addition to treatment most will require prophylaxis. Prophylaxis regimens include daily topical antifungal therapy or fluconazole 200 mg once/wk 
Salivary gland cGVHD   
    Xerostomia Salivary stimulants (gum/candy)
Oral-moisturizing agents
Sialogogue therapy
  • Pilocarpine 5 mg 3 times a day

  • Cevimeline 30 mg 3 times a day

 
Sugar-free or xylitol-containing gum/candy Sialogogues may take 8-12 wks for full efficacy Avoid sialogogues in patients with pulmonary disease 
    Dental caries Good oral hygiene
Avoid sugary foods/drinks
Topical fluoride therapy
Remineralization therapy
Regular dental visits 
See Table 4 for detailed guidelines 
    Candidiasis Fluconazole Topical steroid therapy increases risk of candidiasis 
 Disinfect removable prosthesis nightly Antifungal prophylaxis for recurrent candidiasis 
Sclerotic cGVHD Physical therapy Condition is generally progressive and requires ongoing therapy 
 Intralesional steroid therapy  
 Surgery to disrupt mucosal bands  

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