Background:
- Oral graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a possible complication of bone marrow
transplants. It is the result of the donor cells trying to attack the recipients body.
Symptoms include dry mouth, sensitivity and pain when tasting certain spices and flavors, and
painful swallowing. Steroids are a possible effective treatment for GHVD, but they can cause
side effects when given as pills or injections. Steroids given in a cream or rinse form,
applied directly to the site of the symptoms, can have fewer side effects. However, their
effectiveness as a rinse has not been tested in the mouth. Researchers want to see if a
steroid called clobetasol can be used as a mouth rinse to treat oral GHVD.
Objectives:
- To see if a clobetasol rinse is a safe and effective treatment for oral graft-versus-host
disease.
Eligibility:
- Individuals at least 12 years of age who have oral GHVD and are not allergic to clobetasol.
Design:
- Participants will be screened with a physical exam and medical history. Blood and urine
samples will be collected. They will also have an oral exam, a mouth tissue biopsy, and
other tests before starting the study drug.
- Participants will be separated into two groups. One group will receive clobetasol; the
other will have a placebo liquid.
- Participants will rinse their mouths with the study liquid three times a day after meals
for 2 weeks.
- After 2 weeks, participants will have another study visit with blood tests and other
exams.
- After the study visit, all participants will start to use the clobetasol rinse. Those
who originally had clobetasol will use the rinse for another 2 weeks. Those who
originally had a placebo will use the rinse for 4 weeks.
- Participants will have a follow-up exam after the end of treatment....