Investigation Of Honey-Grapes Blend Efficacy For Reducing Radiation-Induced Oral Mucositis Severity Among Head And Neck Cancer Patients: A Case Study For Ocean Road Cancer Institute And Besta Polyclinic
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Date
2025-06
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NM-AIST
Abstract
Radiation-induced oral mucositis is a global challenge in radiotherapy of head and neck cancer whereby nearly all patients develop a certain degree of mucositis and it affects treatment outcomes. Various pharmaceutical and natural remedies are used to reduce radiation-induced oral mucositis. However, the efficacy of available treatment modalities is low and is associated with many side effects. This study assessed the efficacy of honey-grape blend for reducing radiation-induced oral mucositis severity in head and neck cancer patients at Ocean Road Cancer Institute and Besta Polyclinic in Tanzania. First, social demographic and clinical characteristics of head and neck cancer patients were determined. Secondly, mucositis prevalence, and honey-grapes' efficacy were assessed. Sixty head and neck cancer patients were divided into a control, honey, and honey-grapes blend juice. The patients from the intervention groups received 50 mL of the respective solution, while the control group received placebo. It was revealed that, about 10% of total registered patients in the study period were head and neck cancer patients, whereby 62% were males and 38% were females (χ² = 22.174, df =1, P < 0.001). Alcohol consumption among males and females was 54.05% and 34.8% respectively (χ²=7.032, df =1, P < 0.001). The Northern zone had the highest incidence of head and neck cancer (37.5%) compared with other zones (χ² =112, df=7, P <0.001). Average weight loss for the placebo group was 2.65, while weight gain for the honey-grape blend group was 0.45 kg. Honey-grapes blend minimized severity of mucositis in head and neck cancer patients. However, larger studies are needed to strengthen the evidence on effective use of honey-grapes blend in reducing mucositis severity in the head and neck cancer patients.
Sustainable Development Goals
SDG-2: Zero Hunger
SDG-3: Good Health and Well-Being
SDG-9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG-10: Reduced Inequalities (Indirect)
SDG-12: Responsible Consumption and Production