Zinc Supplementation May Reduce the Effects of Oral Mucositis for Patients With Cancer Receiving Either Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy

Subjects or Study SelectionRandomized controlled trials comparing oral supplementation with placebo or no treatment for oral mucositis in patients with cancer met the inclusion criteria. Multiple databases, including CINAHL, Cochrane, Lilacs, PubMed, and Scopus, were used with search strategies specific for each database. Gray literature was sought using Google Scholar, OpenGrey, and ProQuest Dissertation & Theses. Studies examining oral suspensions were not included in this review.Key StudyFactor Oral supplementation ultimately included zinc, glutamine, and amino acids/ minerals (Elental) in patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or chemoradiotherapy.Main Outcome MeasureThe primary outcome was the occurrence (yes/no) or the reduction in severity of oral mucositis.Main ResultsZinc supplementation vs. control reduced the risk of mucositis by 29% (risk ratio [RR] 5 0.71 [95% confidence interval {CI} 5 0.53-0.96]); glutamine vs. control resulted in a nonsignificant reduction in mucositis by 9% (RR 5 0.91 [95% CI 5 0.78-1.05]).ConclusionsZinc supplementation may reduce the occurrence and severity of oral mucositis in patients with cancer, whereas evidence fails to show a benefit for either glutamine or Elental.