Mucositis is a very common complication in bone marrow transplant setting. It is a result of injury to the gut caused by high dose chemotherapy. Currently there are no universal protocols that have been accepted as a standard to prevent and treat mucositis in the transplant setting. Post transplant upto 80% of patients suffer from a severe mucositis. Proinflammatory cytokines play a major role in the development of mucositis. Interventions that decrease the levels of these cytokines may be beneficial in preventing mucositis. This study is aimed at evaluating the role of curcumin in reducing cytokine levels and the incidence and duration of mucositis in patients undergoing autologous stem cell transplantation.
Mucositis is an inevitable side-effect of intensive conditioning therapy used for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and affects the quality of life of patients undergoing transplant. The incidence of oral mucositis (WHO grades 3/4 ) with certain myeloablative conditioning regimens has been reported in up to 90% with range of severe mucositis (WHO grade 3/4) from 10 to 78%. Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, TNF-α, TGF-B, IFN-γ and certain prostaglandins play a central role in its pathogenesis. Transcription factors such as NF-kappa B, modify the genetic expression of these cytokines and enzymes which are critical in producing tissue damage. A number of agents and methods have been investigated to prevent or reduce mucositis in transplant setting. Some of them are amifostine, caphasol, palifermin, cryotherapy, chlorhexidine, glutamine, GM-CSF, histamine, misoprostol, laser therapy and traumeel, but only palifermin and cryotherapy have shown significant benefit. Curcumin, polyphenol derivative with low toxicity profile, is commonly used in India for its anti-inflammatory actions. Curcumin inhibits various inflammatory cytokines through inhibition of Nuclear Factor Kappa- β. It is derived from the plant Curcuma longa. In vitro studies have shown potent anti-inflammatory activity at concentrations of 1 umol/L. The investigators conducted the first study evaluating the role of curcumin on oral mucositis in transplant setting. In this pilot study (n=40), patients who received curcumin lozenges (n=30) had decreased levels of salivary TGF-β, IL-17 and serum PGE2 compared to patients who did not receive the curcumin lozenges (n=10). Patients who received the curcumin lozenges had higher levels of serum IL-8 which is a prohealing cytokine. The incidence of grade 3 and 4 oral mucositis and diarrhea was less in those who received curcumin lozenges. Curcumin lozenges were also well tolerated and none of the 30 patients who were administered curcumin developed any treatment related grade 3/4 toxicity. This encouraging data is the basis of the current phase III randomized study comparing curcumin lozenges to placebo, to assess the ability of curcumin to reduce the incidence and duration of oral mucositis in patients undergoing autologous bone marrow transplantation. The formulation being used is a Solip Lipid Curcumin microParticle (SLCP). The formulation is developed by Pharmanza Herbals Pvt. Ltd., Gujarat, India. Gota et al reported a phase I clinical trial of SLCP where upto 4 grams of the formulation containing 20-30% curcumin was evaluated for safety and pharmacokinetics in patients with high-risk osteosarcoma (Ref). The SLCP formulation showed oral bioavailability of curcumin with linear pharmacokinetics. Average peak plasma concentration of 41 ng/mL was observed at the highest dose level of 4g. All doses were well tolerated and no adverse events were observed. Based on these observations (on safety and bioavailability), and the reported anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, it was envisaged that it could be potentially useful for the prophylaxis and treatment of oral mucositis following high-dose chemotherapy.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
190
Curcumin lozenges (each containing 100 mg of curcumin) will be given at a dose of 4 lozenges (total dose 400 mg curcumin) BD. Formulation is Solid Lipid Curcumin Particle (SLCP). Oral curcumin lozenges will be given from two days prior to receiving high dose chemotherapy till day+28 of transplant.
Placebo lozenges will be given from two days prior to receiving high dose chemotherapy till day+28 of transplant.
Tata Memorial Centre
Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
RECRUITINGIncidence of grade 3 and 4 oral mucositis
In both groups, patients will be evaluated clinically for oral mucositis. The incidence of grade III/IV oral mucositis will be recorded as per WHO grading criteria.
Time frame: Day+28
Incidence of any grade of oral mucositis.
In both groups, patients will be evaluated clinically for oral mucositis and grade will be recorded as per WHO grading criteria.
Time frame: Day+28
Duration of grade 3 and 4 oral mucositis in both groups
In both groups, duration of oral mucositis will be recorded.
Time frame: Day+28
Incidence of use of Total Parenteral Nutrition
Incidence of use of Total Parenteral Nutrition in both groups.
Time frame: Day+28
Duration of use of Total Parenteral Nutrition
The duration of use of total parenteral nutrition will be recorded in both groups.
Time frame: Day+28
Serum TNF alpha AUC (0-14)
This will be calculated using serum TNF alpha levels measured at baseline, day 0, then Monday, Wednesday and Friday till day +14. Using these values, AUC (0-14) will be calculated using linear trapezoidal model.
Time frame: Day+14
Salivary TNF alpha AUC (0-14)
This will be calculated using Salivary TNF alpha levels measured at baseline, day 0, then Monday, Wednesday and Friday till day +14. Using these values, AUC (0-14) will be calculated using linear trapezoidal model.
Time frame: Day+14
Serum Interleukin 1 AUC (0-14)
This will be calculated using Serum Interleukin 1 levels measured at baseline, day 0, then Monday, Wednesday and Friday till day +14. Using these values, AUC (0-14) will be calculated using linear trapezoidal model.
Time frame: Day+14
Salivary Interleukin 1 AUC (0-14)
This will be calculated using Salivary Interleukin 1 levels measured at baseline, day 0, then Monday, Wednesday and Friday till day +14. Using these values, AUC (0-14) will be calculated using linear trapezoidal model.
Time frame: Day+14
Serum Interleukin 6 AUC (0-14)
This will be calculated using Serum Interleukin 6 levels measured at baseline, day 0, then Monday, Wednesday and Friday till day +14. Using these values, AUC (0-14) will be calculated using linear trapezoidal model.
Time frame: Day+14
Salivary Interleukin 6 AUC (0-14)
This will be calculated using Salivary Interleukin 6 levels measured at baseline, day 0, then Monday, Wednesday and Friday till day +14. Using these values, AUC (0-14) will be calculated using linear trapezoidal model.
Time frame: Day+14
Serum Interleukin 8 AUC (0-14)
This will be calculated using Serum Interleukin 8 levels measured at baseline, day 0, then Monday, Wednesday and Friday till day +14. Using these values, AUC (0-14) will be calculated using linear trapezoidal model.
Time frame: Day+14
Salivary Interleukin 8 AUC (0-14)
This will be calculated using Salivary Interleukin 8 levels measured at baseline, day 0, then Monday, Wednesday and Friday till day +14. Using these values, AUC (0-14) will be calculated using linear trapezoidal model.
Time frame: Day+14
Serum Interleukin 17 AUC (0-14)
This will be calculated using Serum Interleukin 17 levels measured at baseline, day 0, then Monday, Wednesday and Friday till day +14. Using these values, AUC (0-14) will be calculated using linear trapezoidal model.
Time frame: Day+14
Salivary Interleukin 17 AUC (0-14)
This will be calculated using Salivary Interleukin 17 levels measured at baseline, day 0, then Monday, Wednesday and Friday till day +14. Using these values, AUC (0-14) will be calculated using linear trapezoidal model.
Time frame: Day+14
Serum TGF-beta AUC (0-14)
This will be calculated using Serum TGF-beta levels measured at baseline, day 0, then Monday, Wednesday and Friday till day +14. Using these values, AUC (0-14) will be calculated using linear trapezoidal model.
Time frame: Day+14
Salivary TGF-beta AUC (0-14)
This will be calculated using Salivary TGF-beta levels measured at baseline, day 0, then Monday, Wednesday and Friday till day +14. Using these values, AUC (0-14) will be calculated using linear trapezoidal model.
Time frame: Day+14
Serum Interferon gamma AUC (0-14)
This will be calculated using Serum Interferon gamma levels measured at baseline, day 0, then Monday, Wednesday and Friday till day +14. Using these values, AUC (0-14) will be calculated using linear trapezoidal model.
Time frame: Day+14
Salivary Interferon gamma AUC (0-14)
This will be calculated using Salivary Interferon gamma levels measured at baseline, day 0, then Monday, Wednesday and Friday till day +14. Using these values, AUC (0-14) will be calculated using linear trapezoidal model.
Time frame: Day+14
Serum Prostaglandin E2 AUC (0-14)
This will be calculated using Serum Prostaglandin E2 levels measured at baseline, day 0, then Monday, Wednesday and Friday till day +14. Using these values, AUC (0-14) will be calculated using linear trapezoidal model.
Time frame: Day+14
Salivary Prostaglandin E2 AUC (0-14)
This will be calculated using Salivary Prostaglandin E2 levels measured at baseline, day 0, then Monday, Wednesday and Friday till day +14. Using these values, AUC (0-14) will be calculated using linear trapezoidal model.
Time frame: Day+14
Plasma curcumin AUC (0-12 hr)
This will be done using plasma curcumin levels measured within 1 hr of dosing, 0.5-3 hr, 4-6 hr, and 8 - 12 hr post dose on day 7 of starting curcumin or placebo.
Time frame: Up to 12 hours from 1st dose
Plasma Bis-demethoxycurcumin AUC (0-12 hr)
This will be done using plasma Bis-demethoxycurcumin levels measured within 1 hr of dosing, 0.5-3 hr, 4-6 hr, and 8 - 12 hr post dose on day 7 of starting curcumin or placebo.
Time frame: Up to 12 hours from 1st dose
Plasma demethoxycurcumin AUC (0-12 hr)
This will be done using plasma demethoxycurcumin levels measured within 1 hr of dosing, 0.5-3 hr, 4-6 hr, and 8 - 12 hr post dose on day 7 of starting curcumin or placebo.
Time frame: Up to 12 hours from 1st dose
Duration of use of analgesics for pain due to oral mucositis
Duration of use of analgesics for pain due to oral mucositis in both groups will be recorded.The severity of pain will be measured using the visual analog pain scale.
Time frame: Day+28
Incidence of grade 3 and 4 nausea
In both groups, grade of nausea will be recorded as per CTCAE v 4.0 grading criteria.
Time frame: Day+28
Incidence of grade 3 and 4 vomiting
In both groups, grade of vomiting will be recorded as per CTCAE v 4.0 grading criteria.
Time frame: Day+28
Incidence of grade 3 and 4 diarrhea
In both groups, grade of diarrhea will be recorded as per CTCAE v 4.0 grading criteria.
Time frame: Day+28
Duration of hospital stay
The duration of hospital stay will be recorded in both groups.
Time frame: From date of hospital admission until date of hospital discharge assessed up to day +28
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