Efficacy of topical Omega-3 emulgel in preventing radiation-induced oral mucositis: A randomized clinical trial

Introduction: One of the most common debilitating side effects that head and neck cancer patients suffer from during radiation therapy is oral mucositis. This leads to severe oral mucosal inflammation and ulceration that hinder the patient's nutrition and affects his quality of life and overall survival. Recently, Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have captured special interest in managing oral diseases due to its superior anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and wound healing properties. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy of topical Omega-3 emulgel in prevention of radiation induced oral mucositis and its associated pain. Methodology: This study was conducted on thirty-six head and neck cancer patients who were planned to receive radiotherapy. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group I: eighteen patients were given conventional preventive treatment and Group II: eighteen patients received topical Omega-3 emulgel. All patients were clinically evaluated at baseline and after three and six weeks from treatment using World Health Organization (WHO) grading system for oral mucositis severity and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for perceived pain severity. Results: There was a significant lowering of VAS scores as well as WHO mucositis grades after six weeks of treatment in test group treated with topical Omega-3 emulgel when compared to the control group receiving conventional preventive treatment. Conclusions: Topical Omega-3 emulgel showed a promising beneficial effect in preventing radiation-induced oral mucositis and reducing its associated pain