A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effectiveness of ‘Oral Ice Application’ on Oral Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Receiving Radiotherapy

Background Oral mucositis is the most common complication of patients receiving radiotherapy. Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of “oral ice application” on the incidence of radiotherapy-associated mucositis. Methodology The study was conducted on newly diagnosed head and neck cancer patients receiving radiotherapy. Using computer-generated random numbers they were allocated to experimental and control groups with 30 patients in each group. The patients in the experimental group were asked to suck ice cubes for 5 minutes before and after undergoing radiotherapy during each cycle till completion of their treatment. The control group patients continued with the routine care. Oral mucositis was assessed on the 1st, 5th, 10th, 15th, and 20th days of radiotherapy by using the WHO oral toxicity scale. Results A majority (93%) of the participants were males and 70% had the habit of smoking before the diagnosis of the disease. In the experimental group, Grade 1 mucositis was reported on the 10th day of the treatment. However, it was noted on the 5th day in the control group. The patients included in the experimental group, had a significantly lower incidence of mucositis on the 10th day, 15th, and 20th day of radiotherapy ( p < .05). Though both groups were comparable as per the overall prevalence of oral mucositis, the severity of mucositis was significantly less in the patients in the experimental group. Conclusion “Oral ice application” was useful for delaying mucositis and reducing its severity. It is a simple and easy-to-use method and should be practiced in routine. MeSH terms Radiotherapy, Pain, Mucositis, Cryotherapy