Effectiveness of honey on radiation-induced oral mucositis, time to mucositis, weight loss, and treatment interruptions among patients with head and neck malignancies: A meta-analysis and systematic review of literature

Jayson L. Co, Michael Benedict A. Mejia, Jocelyn C. Que, Janine Margarita R. Dizon

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

38 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background

Mucositis is a disabling effect of radiotherapy in head and neck cancers. There is no current standard on management of radiation-induced mucositis. Honey has been shown to reduce radiation-induced mucositis.

Methods

A systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken to assess the ability of honey in reducing the severity of oral mucositis, time to mucositis, weight loss, and treatment interruptions.

Results

Eight studies were included and showed that honey was significantly better in lowering the risk for treatment interruptions, weight loss, and delaying time to mucositis, but not severity of mucositis.

Conclusion

There is current evidence that honey is beneficial for patients with head and neck cancers by decreasing treatment interruptions, weight loss, and delaying the onset of oral mucositis, but not in decreasing peak mucositis score. In light of the results, honey is a reasonable treatment for radiation-induced mucositis, but more randomized clinical trials (RCTs) should be done.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1119-1128
Number of pages10
JournalHead and Neck
Volume38
Issue number7
Early online date29 Mar 2016
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Jul 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Head and neck cancers
  • Honey
  • Radiation-induced mucositis
  • Radiotherapy

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