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

## TL;DR

This study compares systemic and topical antioxidants for preventing radiation-induced oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients, finding topical antioxidants more effective.

## Contribution

Demonstrates that topical antioxidant application, particularly curcumin gel, is more effective than systemic administration for managing oral mucositis.

## Key findings

- Both systemic and topical antioxidants reduced the severity of oral mucositis.
- Topical antioxidants, especially curcumin gel, showed superior efficacy compared to systemic administration.

## Abstract

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.