Mansouri, A., Hadjibabaie, M., Iravani, M., Shamshiri, A. R., Hayatshahi, A., Javadi, M. R., et al. (2011). The effect of zinc sulfate in the prevention of high-dose chemotherapy-induced mucositis: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study. Hematological Oncology, 30, 22-26.

Evaluate the effect of oral zinc sulfate for prevention of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).

Zinc sulfate at 440 mg/day provided orally in two doses every 12 hours, or placebo was provided beginning the day before starting the conditioning regimen. The capsules were administered by hospital staff. Patients were followed every day. All patients received the same prophylaxis regimen, which included 20 drops nystatin every three hours, chewable sucralfate 500 mg every eight hours, and mouthwashes such as chlorhexidine, amphotericin, and diluted povidone iodine every three hours.

The study was comprised of 60 patients, with a mean age 30.87 and 27.13 years per group.

Female 30%, Male 70%

All patients were receiving conditioning regimens for HSCT.

Single site, inpatient setting, Tehran, Iran

Randomized, double blind, placebo controlled

WHO mucositis grading scale

There were no significant differences between groups in mucositis grade, time of onset, or duration.

Zinc sulfate did not show any benefit for the prevention and management of oral mucositis.

Small sample <100

Findings suggest that oral zinc sulfate is not beneficial for oral mucositis induced by high-dose chemotherapy for patients undergoing HSCT. Efficacy of zinc sulfate in other patient populations is not clear.