Palifermin
Palifermin is a type of recombinant human cell growth factor that stimulates epithelial cell proliferation and differentiation. It also has direct cytoprotective effects. Palifermin has been studied in patients with cancer for the prevention and management of mucositis.
Ruta Graveolens
Ruta graveolens is an herbal remedy made from the herb rue. It has historically been used in homeopathy and has anti-inflammatory properties. This herb was tested in patients with cancer for its effects on anxiety and depression.
Royal Jelly
Royal jelly is secreted from glands in the hypopharynx of worker bees and is used to nourish larvae and the queen bee. It is composed of water, crude protein, amino acids, simple sugars, and fatty acids. It also contains trace amounts of minerals and enzymes. Royal jelly has been applied topically to oral mucositis in patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Routine Use of Acetaminophen
The routine addition of acetaminophen/paracetemol to a pain regimen of opioid analgesics in patients with chronic pain has commonly been used in practice, in order to improve overall pain control. The effects of this approach in pain management are beginning to be examined through research for effectiveness in managing chronic pain in patients with cancer.
Rikkunshito
Rikkunshito is a traditional Japanese medicine that has been used to treat a variety of gastrointestinal (GI) disorders. Animal studies suggest it has an impact in the GI tract as a 5-HT4 receptor antagonist and appears to have some effect in increasing ghrelin concentrations. Rikkunshito has been studied for its effect on anorexia in patients with cancer.
Rhodiola Algida
Rhodiola algida is a Tibetan plant used in traditional Chinese medicine. It is thought to strengthen the human immune system by nourishing and invigorating Qi and activating blood circulation against stasis. It has been tested as an intervention for mucositis in patients with cancer.
Restriction of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
The low microbial diet involves proper food and drink preparation and avoiding specific foods that may contain infection-causing organisms, such as bacteria and fungi. Low microbial diets generally eliminate raw, unprocessed, and fresh fruits and vegetables and drinking tap water and emphasize well-cooked foods and appropriate food handling to reduce cross-contamination. Use of a low microbial diet has been recommended for the prevention of infection in patients with cancer but has not been extensively studied.
Repifermin
Repifermin is a keratinocyte growth factor that stimulates the production and differentiation of keratinocytes. Keratinocytes are primarily found in the skin and are involved in epithelialization of wounds. Repifermin was evaluated in patients with cancer in the treatment of mucositis.
Remifentanil PCA
Remifentanil is an opioid that is a fentanyl derivative. Researchers have examined the effectiveness of remifentanil administered by patient controlled analgesia (PCA) in managing acute pain.
Relaxation Therapy
Relaxation therapies differ in philosophy and method. In any case, the goal is to use the power of the mind and body to achieve a sense of relaxation and lowered metabolism. Relaxation therapy interventions may incorporate breathing exercises and involve relaxing the body. These interventions may involve techniques such as diversion or visualization. Relaxation therapy differs from progressive muscle relaxation in that the specific technique of sequential muscle relaxation is not necessarily used.