Abstract:
Background: Radiation- induced stomatitis is an early effect of head and neck radiotherapy. Stomatitis can lead to secondary infection, ulceration, and pain leading to malnutrition. Severe stomatitis can result in hospitalization and delay in scheduling treatment, compromising therapeutic efficacy. The literature indicates that honey appears to promote healing, so the researcher investigated whether its anti-inflammatory properties might limit the severity of radiation-induced oral stomatitis. The aim of this study is to assess the effect of topical honey application on the management of radiotherapy induced stomatitis. Materials and Methods: A quasi experimental research design was utilized and the study was conducted at Mansoura University Hospital, Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Unit and its In- patients and Out- patients Clinics. 60 patients with head and neck cancer requiring radiation therapy for the first time were assigned to two groups. Thirty patients assigned to the study group received honey, while both the study and control groups received standard head and neck radiation therapy based on a standard protocol. In the study group patients were instructed to take 20 ml of honey 15 minutes before radiation therapy, then again at intervals of 15 minutes and six hours after radiation. In the control group patients were instructed to follow the hospital protocol that was used for prophylaxis of stomatitis. Patients were evaluated weekly for progression of stomatitis using the World Health Organization Oral Toxicity Scale. Data were analyzed using the independent t-test, Mann-Whitney, and Friedman tests. Results: The results of the present study revealed that There was statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) in oral toxicity scale scores between the study and control groups over the period of five weeks treatment. Regarding the Weight there was an increase in 20% of the study group and only in 3.3% of the control group, this Wt. gain was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Within the limits of this study the results showed the topical application of natural honey is effective in managing radiation induced stomatitis.