Propolis Tested as Treatment for Radiotherapy Complications

Experimental Use of Oral Propolis for Prevention of Radiation Oesophagitis in Patients Treated with Chest Radiotherapy
Journal of ApiProduct & ApiMedical Science, Vol. 2 (3) pp. 100 - 101

Oesophagitis is a common occurrence in patients subjected to chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) for lung cancer; exposure of a part of oesophagus to radiation can not be avoided despite careful planning of the treatment.

Acute radiation injury of the oesophageal mucosa occurs within 3-4 weeks of treatment and dosimetric factors are predictive of acute oesophageal toxicity; concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy improve survival but increase toxicity, which is mainly severe odynophagia, dysphagia and chest pain. Severe symptoms are frequently reported and difficult to relieve. A temporary or definitive discontinuation in therapeutic plan is mandatory for many patients.

Propolis is a bee product which has been used as a folk medicine and it has been reported to possess various biological activities, mainly anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties. We tested a propolis mixture (Cadigroup Laboratory, Rome, Italy) to evaluate its tolerability as a medication useful to prevent and/or treat swallowing symptoms; our endpoint is to allow patients to carry out their scheduled RT without symptoms.