Oral cryotherapy (cold therapy) for the prevention of oral mucositis during short chemotherapy infusions

What is oral mucositis?

Oral mucositis is a common side effect for children receiving chemotherapy for cancer and blood and marrow transplants. The lining of the digestive tract and mouth become inflamed, and sores can develop.

Why does oral mucositis occur?

Your child’s digestive system is lined with a thin layer of cells. Chemotherapy can damage these cells, causing the development of sores in different areas in the body. When the lining in the mouth is damaged, your child may develop sores inside their mouth (oral mucositis). This can be painful and affect your child’s ability to eat, drink, swallow and speak. Oral cryotherapy can prevent oral mucositis and help improve your child’s quality of life during treatments.

What is oral cryotherapy?

Oral cryotherapy involves using low temperatures through foods and drinks to cool your child’s mouth during short chemotherapy infusions. The cold temperatures decrease the amount of blood flowing to the mouth, which reduces the amount of chemotherapy reaching that area as well. This helps to decrease the risk of mucositis developing. Oral cryotherapy is a great option for children of any age undergoing treatment, as long as your child can tolerate the cold temperature.

Risks of oral cryotherapy

There are no known risks to oral cryotherapy, and it is strongly recommended for children as a preventive treatment during chemotherapy.

How is oral cryotherapy given?

The most common way to give oral cryotherapy is through cold foods and drinks. The most common foods and drinks used to keep your child’s mouth cold include ice chips, freezies, popsicles, ice cream, slushies, and cold drinks. The amount of time your child will need to keep their mouth cold depends on how long their chemotherapy treatments last. Your child will typically be given a cold food or drink five minutes before their treatment starts. They will need to keep the food or drink in their mouth consistently during the treatment, and then for 5-30 minutes after the treatment is finished.

Who can have oral cryotherapy?

Oral cryotherapy can be used for patients receiving short infusions (60 minutes or less) of chemotherapy drugs such as melphalan or fluorouracil (5-FU). Ask your child’s medical team if oral cryotherapy is a good option for your child.