ARCIMS 26
in
Sunday 2025-10-19 19:14
Evaluation of the Oral Administration of Vitamins E and A in the Prevention of Chemotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis: A Randomized Crossover Clinical Trial
Seyyedeh Negar Hosseini 1 ℗, Ahmad Bavali Gazik 1, Leili Alizadeh 2 ©, Hossein Gholami 1
Abstract
Introduction: Chemotherapy is a common treatment modality for cancer patients but is frequently associated with oral mucositis, a debilitating and painful complication. Despite extensive research, no definitive preventive or therapeutic approach has been universally established. Given the potential roles of vitamins E and A in cellular immunity and membrane stabilization, this study aimed to evaluate their effectiveness in preventing chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis. Methods: In this crossover randomized clinical trial, 20 eligible participants underwent two treatment phases. In one phase, they received oral vitamins E and A alongside chemotherapy; in the other, they received a placebo. The severity of oral mucositis and pain response was assessed at baseline and on days 7, 14, and 21 post-chemotherapy in both phases. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 18, with significance set at p0.05. Results: The study was completed by 20 participants, predominantly female (70%), with a mean age of 52.2 ± 14.37 years. Statistical analyses revealed no significant difference in mucositis severity or pain response between the intervention and control phases at any time point (p0.05). Conclusion: Oral administration of vitamins E and A did not demonstrate a statistically significant effect in reducing the severity of chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis or related pain. These findings suggest that while these vitamins have known biological functions, their therapeutic role in mucositis prevention may be limited or require higher doses, longer duration, or adjunctive approaches. Further research with larger sample sizes and varied protocols is recommended to clarify their potential efficacy.
Keywords: Chemotherapy, Oral Mucositis, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Clinical Trial
