![](/images/graphics-bg.png)
Coconut Oil as a Novel Approach to Managing Radiation-Induced Xerostomia: A Primary Feasibility Study
Joint Authors
Hearn, Matthew
Quimby, Alexandra E.
Hogan, Debora
Khalil, Diana
Nault, Colette
Johnson-Obaseki, Stephanie
Source
International Journal of Otolaryngology
Issue
Vol. 2020, Issue 2020 (31 Dec. 2020), pp.1-6, 6 p.
Publisher
Hindawi Publishing Corporation
Publication Date
2020-09-01
Country of Publication
Egypt
No. of Pages
6
Main Subjects
Abstract EN
Background.
Xerostomia is a common complication following radiation therapy for head and neck cancer (HNC), for which there is no single, universally accepted therapy.
Coconut oil has been anecdotally suggested to provide relief for this complication.
This study sought to examine the feasibility and effectiveness of coconut oil as a therapy for radiation-induced xerostomia.
Methods.
A feasibility study was performed among 30 patients with xerostomia subsequent to radiation for HNC.
Coconut oil samples were provided along with a protocol for use over a 2-week period and the option to continue if they found it beneficial.
Patients were also instructed to keep diaries to document their patterns of use.
The Xerostomia-related Quality of Life Scale (XeQOLS) was administered at baseline and 3-month follow-up.
Descriptive methods were used to summarize patterns of coconut oil use and paired t-tests were used to assess changes in XeQOLS scores over time.
Results.
The mean total duration of coconut oil use during the study period was 16 days (1–71).
The average number of uses per day was 3 (1–5), with an average amount per use of 5 mL (1.2–8.5).
Twelve patients (41.4%) continued coconut oil use beyond the advised period.
There was no statistically significant difference in XeQOLS scores pre- and post-treatment.
There were no adverse events during the study period.
Conclusions.
The use of coconut oil as a treatment strategy for xerostomia post-HNC radiation is feasible, inexpensive, and safe.
This study demonstrates that there may be a group of HNC patients that benefit from its use.
American Psychological Association (APA)
Quimby, Alexandra E.& Hogan, Debora& Khalil, Diana& Hearn, Matthew& Nault, Colette& Johnson-Obaseki, Stephanie. 2020. Coconut Oil as a Novel Approach to Managing Radiation-Induced Xerostomia: A Primary Feasibility Study. International Journal of Otolaryngology،Vol. 2020, no. 2020, pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1173048
Modern Language Association (MLA)
Quimby, Alexandra E.…[et al.]. Coconut Oil as a Novel Approach to Managing Radiation-Induced Xerostomia: A Primary Feasibility Study. International Journal of Otolaryngology No. 2020 (2020), pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1173048
American Medical Association (AMA)
Quimby, Alexandra E.& Hogan, Debora& Khalil, Diana& Hearn, Matthew& Nault, Colette& Johnson-Obaseki, Stephanie. Coconut Oil as a Novel Approach to Managing Radiation-Induced Xerostomia: A Primary Feasibility Study. International Journal of Otolaryngology. 2020. Vol. 2020, no. 2020, pp.1-6.
https://search.emarefa.net/detail/BIM-1173048
Data Type
Journal Articles
Language
English
Notes
Includes bibliographical references
Record ID
BIM-1173048