
Patient History
59-year-old male with stage III squamous cell carcinoma of
the head and neck involving the tongue and tonsils and
requiring treatment with chemoradiation.
Treatment regimen included:
– Cisplatin 80 mg/m2 IV
every 3 weeks
– Intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
– Daily amifostine prior to radiation
(discontinued after 3 weeks due to hiccups).
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Despite medical advice,
the patient refused placement of a PEG
tube before radiation therapy and chemotherapy were
started. |
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Prior to initiation of
therapy, the patient underwent a dental
examination, cleaning, and fluoride treatments. |
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After 4 weeks of therapy,
the patient complained of dysphagia, and a documented
weight loss of 25 pounds required placement of the PEG
tube. |
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Patient was diagnosed with
grade 2-3 mucositis and fungal infection. |
Clinical Plan
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The treatment plan
included administration of GELCLAIR
(bioadherent oral
gel) 4 times daily and an oral antifungal agent. |
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Patient refused narcotic
pain medications. |
Outcomes
1 week after initiation of GELCLAIR
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Due to continued weight
loss, radiation was withheld for 5 days. |
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Subsequently, the patient
completed his course of radiation while continuing
GELCLAIR and antifungal medication. |
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Patient reported a
reduction in pain following the use of GELCLAIR and
required no narcotic pain medications. |
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Nutritional
supplementation resulted in weight gain. |
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Patient continued using
GELCLAIR for 2 weeks post-radiation and then
prophylactically before and after chemotherapy.
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