Abstract
Purpose
The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review of randomized clinical trials in order to assess the efficacy of the following mouthwashes recommended for the prevention and treatment of OM and OPM in patients undergoing cancer treatment: chlorhexidine, allopurinol, benzydamine, and propolis.
Methods
The following research question was formulated based on the PICOS strategy: “Are chlorhexidine, allopurinol, benzydamine and propolis mouthwashes effective in preventing and treating OM and OPM in patients undergoing cancer treatment?” Searches were performed in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Web of Science, without publication year or language restrictions. Randomized clinical trials comparing the use of chlorhexidine, allopurinol, benzydamine and propolis with a control group not submitted to any intervention were included. The retrieved articles were analyzed and selected by two reviewers and disagreements were resolved by consultation with a third reviewer. After data extraction, two evaluators independently analyzed the methodological quality of the studies using the Cochrane tool.
Results
After evaluation of the works, 13 of 1183 articles were selected. mouthwashes containing propolis and benzydamine mouthwashes were promising and effective while chlorhexidine or allopurinol did not provide satisfactory results.
Conclusion
Mouthwashes could be an alternative for treatment or preventing oral mucositis in cancer patients Services could consider the possibility of incorporating these medications since, in most cases, they are low cost and donot require specialized staff in their use.