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

Head & NeckVolume 38, Issue 7 p. 1119-1128 Clinical Review 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 MD, Corresponding Author Jayson L. Co MD Department of Radiation Oncology, Benavides Cancer Institute, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, PhilippinesCorresponding author: J. L. Co, Department of Radiation Oncology, Benavides Cancer Institute, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, España Boulevard, Manila 1008 Philippines. E-mail: jc_polar@yahoo.comSearch for more papers by this authorMichael Benedict A. Mejia MD, Michael Benedict A. Mejia MD Department of Radiation Oncology, Benavides Cancer Institute, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, PhilippinesSearch for more papers by this authorJocelyn C. Que MD, Mmed, Jocelyn C. Que MD, Mmed Center for Pain Medicine, University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Benavides Cancer Institute, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, PhilippinesSearch for more papers by this authorJanine Margarita R. Dizon PhD, Janine Margarita R. Dizon PhD Department of Radiation Oncology, Benavides Cancer Institute, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, PhilippinesSearch for more papers by this author Jayson L. Co MD, Corresponding Author Jayson L. Co MD Department of Radiation Oncology, Benavides Cancer Institute, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, PhilippinesCorresponding author: J. L. Co, Department of Radiation Oncology, Benavides Cancer Institute, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, España Boulevard, Manila 1008 Philippines. E-mail: jc_polar@yahoo.comSearch for more papers by this authorMichael Benedict A. Mejia MD, Michael Benedict A. Mejia MD Department of Radiation Oncology, Benavides Cancer Institute, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, PhilippinesSearch for more papers by this authorJocelyn C. Que MD, Mmed, Jocelyn C. Que MD, Mmed Center for Pain Medicine, University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Benavides Cancer Institute, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, PhilippinesSearch for more papers by this authorJanine Margarita R. Dizon PhD, Janine Margarita R. Dizon PhD Department of Radiation Oncology, Benavides Cancer Institute, University of Santo Tomas Hospital, Manila, PhilippinesSearch for more papers by this author First published: 29 March 2016 https://doi.org/10.1002/hed.24431Citations: 34 Ethical statement: This review does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors. Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat 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. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 38: 1119–1128, 2016 Citing Literature Volume38, Issue7July 2016Pages 1119-1128 RelatedInformation