• Intervention
    Is there a relationship between the topical application of honey to the oral mucosa of a patient with head and neck cancer and improved tolerance to radiation therapy and the reduction of complications associated with radiation therapy?
    • Conclusion

      One small study of neutral quality, suggests that topical application of honey to the oral mucosa is effective in decreasing radiation-induced mucositis in head and neck cancer patients, improving tolerance of radiation therapy by decreasing mucositis-related treatment interruptions, and helping patients gain weight during treatment. Larger randomized, placebo-controlled studies with greater patient heterogeneity are needed to strengthen these findings.

       

    • Grade: III
      • Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
      • Grade II is Fair;
      • Grade III is Limited/Weak;
      • Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
      • Grade V is Not Assignable.
      • High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
      • Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
      • Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
      • Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
      • Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
    • Search Plan and Results: Honey and Symptoms/Complications 2003
       
    Is there a relationship between a patient’s intake of honey to reduce symptoms and the reduction of symptoms associated with cancer?
    • Conclusion

      There is no evidence available that directly supports or refutes that consumption of honey can reduce symptoms associated with cancer.

       

    • Grade: V
      • Grade I means there is Good/Strong evidence supporting the statement;
      • Grade II is Fair;
      • Grade III is Limited/Weak;
      • Grade IV is Expert Opinion Only;
      • Grade V is Not Assignable.
      • High (A) means we are very confident that the true effect lies close to that of the estimate of the effect;
      • Moderate (B) means we are moderately confident in the effect estimate;
      • Low (C) means our confidence in the effect estimate is limited;
      • Very Low (D) means we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.
      • Ungraded means a grade is not assignable.
    • Search Plan and Results: Honey and Symptoms/Complications 2003