The Effect of Honey Therapy on the Management of Oral Mucosites in Head and Neck Cancer Patients with Chemoradiotherapy: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Purpose: Mucositis management has an important place in the treatment of these cancer patients. Therefore, the aim of our study is to examine the effect of honey treatment on oral mucositis management in patients with head and neck cancer receiving radiotherapy. 
 Methods: The study was planned as a randomized controlled, single-blind, parallel group study. The study was conducted on 32 patients with 16 patients in each parallel group. Five data collection tools were used to collect the research data. Patient Identification Form , Researcher Mucositis Index, VAS- Pain, Honey Management Monitoring Chart (given to the patients in the treatment group). Oral Care Management Follow-up Form (given to the patients in the control group). 
 Results: The number of days with mucositis was similar in both parallel groups (Honey Group / Mean ± SD: 14.88 ± 7.36, Bicarbonate Group / Mean ± SD: 14.38 ± 6.33).
 Conclusion: Honey application has not been found to be superior to bicarbonate mouthwash on the development and staging of oral mucositis.