Effect of Honey on the Body Weight in Head and Neck Cancer Patients After Radiotherapy

Abstract

Body weight loss is a negative consequence of radiotherapy in head and neck cancer. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of honey on body weight of the patients.
 Materials and Methods: This interventional study was carried out in Radiation Oncology department of Mayo hospital, Lahore. This study involved 82 patients, divided into two groups by random sampling, who received 60-70 Grays of radiation in 22-30 fractions with curative intent. In treatment group, patients were instructed to take 20 mL of honey. In control group, they were advised to rinse with 0.9% of saline. The weight loss during radiotherapy was calculated as the difference between the weight at the start and the end of radiotherapy. The statistical analysis was done by t-test. Results: In honey-treated group, patients showed static and positive change in body weight when compared to control group and it is statistically significant.
 Conclusion: This study showed that oral intake of honey during radiotherapy is valuable for maintaining body weight during and after radiotherapy.