Topical treatment of oral chronic graft-versus-host- disease in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients: A systematic review

BACKGROUND: Oral graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a common complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. This study systematically reviewed Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) with the objective to investigate the effectiveness and side effects of topical agents used for the treatment of oral GVHD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines were followed to perform this study. An electronic search of four databases was conducted. RCTs published between January 2011 and March 2022 were included that were carried out on hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients receiving topical treatment for oral GVHD. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program (CASP) standard checklist for RCTs was used for the bias risk evaluation. RESULTS: Five RCTs were included for the qualitative synthesis of results. Two RCTs were linked to a certain risk of bias. Budesonide caused the highest overall treatment response. Malic acid, clobetasol, and dexamethasone increased resting salivary flow rates. Curcumin in orabase shows similar results to corticosteroid treatment. Adverse effects were observed in populations receiving budesonide, dexamethasone, clobetasol, and tacrolimus. Most frequent adverse effects were burning sensations, fungal infections, and gastrointestinal disorders, but none of them were severe. CONCLUSIONS: Given the small number of RCTs performed and the heterogeneity of the different study designs, it is difficult to draw direct comparisons. Malic acid appears to be effective for the treatment of graft-versus-host disease-induced xerostomia. Budesonide had the highest overall response rates but was also associated with the highest number of adverse effects. Further research is needed to manifest those findings. Key words:Hematopoietic stem cell transplant, oral graft-versus-host disease, topical treatment.