A Propolis-Based Protocol for Oral Health in Palliative Care: Results from a Phase II Trial

<b><i>Background:</i></b> Oral disorders (ODs) in palliative care (PC) are highly prevalent and significantly impact patients' quality of life (QoL). Nevertheless, evidence-based management recommendations are lacking. Several natural products are safe, well-accepted, and effective for mucosal conditions. <b><i>Objective:</i></b> The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a propolis-based product combined with basic oral hygiene in preventing and treating ODs. <b><i>Design:</i></b> A prospective, open-label, single-center phase II study was performed. Adult patients in PC with cancer or noncancer diagnoses, who were conscious, able to swallow, with a life expectancy of more than one week, were recruited. <b><i>Results:</i></b> ODs' improvement or maintenance of oral health was observed in 89.6% of cases. Severity of ODs significantly decreased (<i>p</i> < 0.001), along with reductions in oropharyngeal pain (<i>p</i> = 0.002) and dysgeusia (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Meal comfort, completion, and QoL improved; acceptability was excellent. <b><i>Conclusions:</i></b> The protocol was safe, well-accepted, and effective for ODs in adult patients in PC. <b><i>Study registration:</i></b> The study protocol was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04911335.