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Video

Head and Neck Surgery

(A540) Efficacy of Treatment and Prevention of Radiation-induced Oral Mucositis- Systematic Review

Monday, October 13, 2025
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM EDT
Location: OTO EXPO, Posters

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Mohammad Almomani, MD

    Resident physician
    SSM/ SLU
    Memphis, Tennessee, United States

    • Co-Author(s)

  • Sarah Chong, BS

    Medical student
    University of Tennessee Health Science Center
    Chattanooga, Tennessee, United States

  • Harrison P. Smith, BA

    Medical Student
    University of Tennessee Health Science Center
    Memphis, TN, United States

  • Boston Andersen, BS

    Medical Student
    University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Medicine
    Memphis, Tennessee, United States

  • AZ

    Aaron L. Zebolsky, MD

    Resident Physician
    University of Tennessee
    Memphis, TN, United States

    • Senior Author(s)

  • C. Burton Wood, MD

    Assistant Professor
    University of Tennessee Health Science Center
    Memphis, TN, United States

Disclosure(s):
Mohammad Almomani, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
C. Burton Wood, MD: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Sarah Chong, BS: No relevant relationships to disclose.
Boston Andersen, BS: No relevant relationships to disclose.


Introduction: Radiation-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) involves injury to adjacent mucosa during radiation/radiotherapy (RT) for head and neck malignancies. This complication has marked adverse effects on patient quality of life and cancer therapy continuity. Many preclinical and clinical studies have been conducted for the prevention and treatment of RIOM. However, there is no single agent or management regimen that has been agreed upon amongst caregivers that significantly improves RIOM to a clinically relevant and satisfactory standard.

Methods: A systematic literature review of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Library was performed in January 2025, and registered with Prospero. A medical librarian performed the database search using keywords and MeSH terms including but not limited to "Radiation-induced oral mucositis" OR "radiation-induced mucositis "OR "oral mucositis" preventive measures':ti,ab,kw OR 'protective agent'/exp OR 'preventive health service'/exp OR 'treatment'. Studies were included if they investigated treatment of oral mucositis secondary to radiotherapy and were published in English before January 2025.

Results: 1653 unique citations were identified, of which 164 studies met inclusion criteria. Review of these papers papers supports good oral care, IMRT, radiation shields, palifermin, and amifostine. RIOM treatment focuses on palliative measures and symptoms relief. 62 (37.8 %) studies discussing the use of mouthwash products. Others talked about colony stimulating factor, vitamin D, and E, Zinc, and several types of topical agent. Cryotherapy and LASER therapy have also been used in recent studies compared to old treatment techniques.

Conclusions: To our knowledge, this study represents the largest review of RIOM. It is limited by the diversity of study designs, sample sizes, patient characteristics, and outcome measures. While there is no objectively universal treatment for RIOM, preliminary results from this review show promise with multiple therapies.