Systemic versus topical administration of antioxidants in radiation-induced oral mucositis

Oral mucositis (OM) is a debilitating complication of radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients. This study was done to compare the efficacy of systemic versus topical antioxidant therapy in preventing and managing radiation-induced oral mucositis. Total 150 head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy were divided into systemic antioxidants and topical antioxidants groups. Further subdivide into three subgroups based on the antioxidant agent used. Clinical parameters were assessed using the WHO oral mucositis scale. Both systemic and topical antioxidants reduced the severity of OM; however, topical antioxidants, especially curcumin gel, showed superior efficacy.