Efficacy and tolerability of probiotics, prebiotics, and symbiotics consumption on oral complications of patients with thyroid and head and neck cancers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract Background Oral complications following cancer treatment are a challenging issue for oncologists. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of biotics in the prevention and treatment of oral complications in thyroid and head and neck cancers. Methods Following the PRISMA criteria, a sy...

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Main Authors: Mohammadreza Shafiei, Shayan Mardi, Soodeh Ghadimi, Helia Poorshahbazi, Roozbeh Pourabbas, Mohammadamin Keykhah, Hosein Rafiemanesh
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: BMC 2025-05-01
Series:BMC Oral Health
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-025-05876-9
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Summary:Abstract Background Oral complications following cancer treatment are a challenging issue for oncologists. Several studies have demonstrated the efficacy of biotics in the prevention and treatment of oral complications in thyroid and head and neck cancers. Methods Following the PRISMA criteria, a systematic review and meta-analysis of included studies on efficacy, safety, dosage, and duration of treatment was performed. Results A total of 12 randomized controlled trials and a total of 885 individuals were included in this meta-analysis. Our analysis showed that biotics had a slight but insignificant effect on the incidence of oral mucositis (Risk ratio (RR) = 0.90, 95% CI [0.79, 1.03]), and a significant impact on reducing the severity of oral mucositis (RR = 0.62, 95% CI [0.48, 0.80]). Biotics also had a slight but insignificant effect in developing xerostomia in thyroid and Head and neck cancer (HNC) patients. Subgroup meta-analysis demonstrated that Bifidobacterium-containing products were more effective than other blends. Conclusion Our findings demonstrated that biotics are effective and safe for HNC and thyroid patients suffering from oral complications.
ISSN:1472-6831