RESUMEN
Objective To describe the characteristics of radiation induced mucositis in patients withhead and neck cancer ( HNC) during radiotherapy, and analyze the effect of radiation induced mucositis on diet patterns and weight change and the influencing factors for radiation induced mucositis. Methods Patients with HNC treated with radiotherapy in one cancer hospital were recruited. Data were collected before, during and at the end of the radiotherapy, which included radiation induced oral and pharyngeal mucositis, pain during eat-ing, diet patterns and weight. Results Two hundred and two patients were completely investigated and 43.5％and 34. 2％ of the patients suffered from moderate to severe (≥grade 2) oral mucositis and pharyngeal mucosi-tis, respectively during the radiotherapy. At the end of radiotherapy, 53. 5％ and 51. 5％ of the patients suffered from moderate to severe oral mucositis and pharyngeal mucositis (≥grade 2 ) , respectively. Oral and pharyngeal mucositis were significantly correlated with pain during eating, diet patterns and weight ( P<0. 05) . Tumor site was the main reason that affected the severity of mucositis ( Wald χ2 =26. 033, 14. 216;P<0.001). Conclusion Radiation induced mucositis was gradually aggravated with radiotherapy progress, which is closely related to pain during eating, change of diet patterns and weight loss. The severity of mucositis is re-lated to the tumor site. Measures should be taken to strengthen the management of adverse reactions and nutri-tional status of patients.
RESUMEN
Background: Aloe vera has been widely used to treat various conditions such as sunburn or radiation-related dermatitis, mucositis, or esophagitis. It is suggested that Aloe vera may be benefit for radiation-induced mucositis. Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of oral aloe vera juice in the alleviation of radiation induced mucositis in head and neck cancer patients using a double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Methods and materials: Sixty-one eligible head and neck cancer patients, who received conventional radiation therapy at Ramathibodi Hospital, were randomized to receive oral Aloe vera juice or placebo. Mucosal reaction was assessed during the course of radiation using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group grading system. Results: Patient baseline characteristics were identical in Aloe vera juice and placebo groups except in the gender. The incidence of severe mucositis was significantly lower in the aloe vera group compared with the placebo group (53% vs. 87%, p =0.004). However, there was no significant difference in the time-duration to severe mucositis development. No adverse effects related to the drug were observed. Conclusion: Oral aloe vera juice was beneficial in alleviating the severity of radiation-induced mucositis and without side effects. The Aloe vera juice may be an alternative agent treating radiation-induced mucositis in patients with head and neck cancers.