[Indomethacin Spray Preparation for the Control of Pain Associated with Stomatitis Caused by Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy in Cancer Patients].

Severe stomatitis caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy is accompanied by severe pain and results in a poor quality of life. We used a spray preparation of indomethacin (IM; 0.25% IM dissolved in phosphate buffer, pH 7.4), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to control the pain associated with stomatitis at the University of Tsukuba Hospital. This review specifically aimed to collect information on the use of the IM spray preparation, from our previous studies, to facilitate its proper use in a hospital setting. On studying the stability of the IM spray preparation, we concluded that the preparation should be kept in the refrigerator for daily use, and that it can be stored for at least 2 months at 4°C, and for 24 months at -20°C. To evaluate the efficacy of the IM spray preparation, we retrospectively surveyed its analgesic effects. Using the 10-grade Visual Analogue Scale in 23 patients, we found that pain associated with stomatitis was reduced from 10 to 4.7 after application of the spray. In conclusion, our study results on the stability and efficacy of the IM spray preparation have led to the proper use of the spray in cancer patients with stomatitis caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy.