Study for Dexamethasone Mouthwash in Lowering Episodes of Oral Mucositis Among Patients With Cancer: The SMILE Study
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a steroid mouthwash (dexamethasone) can prevent mouth sores caused by chemotherapy in adults with cancer. The main questions it aims to answer are: Does using dexamethasone mouthwash before and during chemotherapy lower the chance of getting moderate to severe mouth sores? Can this approach reduce pain and improve comfort during chemotherapy? Researchers will compare patients using the mouthwash to a historical group of patients who received similar chemotherapy but did not use the mouthwash, to see if the mouthwash helps prevent mouth sores. Participants will: Use a steroid mouthwash (4 times daily) for up to 8 weeks during chemotherapy Complete a short weekly survey about mouth discomfort during infusion visits
• ≥18 years old
• Confirmed cancer diagnosis
• Scheduled to receive or receiving chemotherapy known to be associated with oral mucositis (e.g., anthracyclines and taxanes)
• Ability to provide informed consent
• Ability to comply with study procedures