Evaluating Olive Oil Mouthwash to Prevent and Treat Oral Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiotherapy or Chemoradiotherapy

What this Trial Is About

This research aims to evaluate the preventive and therapeutic effects of using olive oil as a mouthwash to reduce oral mucositis caused by radiation therapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy in patients with head and neck cancer. Oral mucositis often leads to dry mouth and infection, which negatively impact patients comfort and quality of life. The study compares olive oil mouthwash with standard care to see if it can improve these symptoms and quality of life over a 12-week period. Participants in the study are randomized to receive either olive oil mouthwash or standard care. The olive oil mouth rinse involves holding 10 mL of olive oil in the mouth and rinsing for 2 minutes daily, starting from the first day of radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy until the treatment ends. Participants are instructed not to tilt their heads backward during rinsing and to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes afterward. If prescribed, antimicrobial mouthwash is used before the olive oil rinse. During the 12 weeks, researchers assess the severity of oral mucositis, dry mouth, pain levels, patient comfort, and quality of life using various validated tools. Data are collected before and after treatment and analyzed statistically to determine the effects of the olive oil mouthwash. The study includes regular evaluations to monitor symptoms and quality of life, with the primary outcome focused on oral mucositis severity.

A Study on the Effectiveness of Olive Oil Mouthwash in Alleviating Chemoradiotherapy-induced Oral Mucositis in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer.