Hange‐Shashin‐To Gargle against Radiation‐Induced Mucositis

Objective Chemoradiation has been recognized as one of the standard therapies for head and neck cancer. However, recent intensified chemoradiation can cause serious adverse events and influence treatment completion. We investigated the effect of Hange‐Shashin‐To, an herbal medicine, against chemoradiation‐induced mucositis in the context of the completion of chemoradiation. Method Subjects were 10 head and neck cancer patients who underwent whole neck irradiation between May and November 2011. The patients gargled with 2.5 g Hange‐Shashinto‐To mixed with tap water 3 times a day during and after chemoradiation period, prohibiting eating and drinking for 30 minutes after the gargling. Results Two patients started gargling with Hange‐Shashin‐To after grade III mucositis appeared, and the other 8 began it on the commencing date of chemoradiation. In 1 of the former 2 patients, the mucositis improved until grade I despite continued chemoradiation. Although the other remained grade III until the end of radiation, the gargling was useful for treatment completion without interruption. Of the latter 8 patients, 6 had grade I and 2 had grade II as the worst mucositis level in the chemoradiation period. Grade III or IV mucositis was not observed in this case series. Conclusion Our results suggest that Hange‐Shashin‐To can alleviate mucositis from chemoradiotherapy and contribute to treatment completion without interruption. Although further studies in a large number of patients are needed to confirm our findings, Hange‐Shashin‐To may be a useful adjunctive therapy in chemoradiation for head and neck cancer.