The Impact of Public Health on Oral Mucositis Caused by Cancer Treatment: A Narrative Review Study

Abstract

Cancer and its treatment complications are among the major challenges for health systems. Oral mucositis (OM) is one of the most common complications of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which, with inflammation and painful ulcers of the oral mucosa, leads to nutritional disorders, reduced quality of life (QoL), and even interruption of the treatment process. This narrative review study was conducted by searching PubMed and Google Scholar databases and evaluating studies related to effective interventions on OM (including non-pharmacological methods, natural compounds, nutritional interventions, and health care). The findings revealed that the most effective interventions simultaneously target multiple pathophysiological axes (oxidative stress, inflammation, cellular damage, and secondary infection). Low-level laser therapy and cryotherapy were identified as the safest and most effective non-pharmacological methods of prevention. Furthermore, natural compounds demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory and reparative effects. Moreover, nutritional interventions and physical protectors played an important supportive role in reducing the severity of complications while accelerating tissue regeneration. Optimal management of OM requires an integrated and multifaceted approach. It appears that a combination of preventive methods (laser therapy and cryotherapy), targeted therapies with natural compounds, and supportive care (oral hygiene and nutrition) can significantly decrease the incidence and severity of this condition.

Keywords: Public health, Mucositis, Cancer