Preventive Effect of Probiotics on Oral Mucositis Induced by Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #probiotics #stomatitis #neoplasms #lactobacillus

Preventive Effect of Probiotics on Oral Mucositis Induced by Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Liu et al., 2022 | Int J Mol Sci | Meta Analysis

Citation

Liu Yu-Cheng, Wu Chia-Rong, Huang Tsai-Wei. Preventive Effect of Probiotics on Oral Mucositis Induced by Cancer Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Int J Mol Sci. 2022-Oct-31;23(21). doi:10.3390/ijms232113268

Abstract

Oral mucositis is a common adverse effect of cancer therapy. Probiotics have been shown to exert anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to investigate whether probiotics can prevent cancer therapy−induced oral mucositis. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov databases for trials related to probiotics and oral mucositis published before September 2022; no language restrictions were applied. The primary outcome was the incidence of oral mucositis and severe oral mucositis. Secondary outcomes were the requirement for enteral nutrition during treatment, body weight loss, and decreased quality of life. The study has been registered in PROSPERO (number: CRD 42022302339). Eight RCTs, including 708 patients, were reviewed; however, a meta-analysis of only seven trials could be performed. Three trials using Lactobacilli-based probiotics reported that the incidence of oral mucositis in the probiotic group was significantly low (risk ratio [RR] = 0.84, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.77−0.93, p = 0.0004). Seven trials reported a significantly low incidence of severe oral mucositis in the probiotic group (RR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.53−0.81, p < 0.0001). The requirement of enteral nutrition was significantly low in the probiotic group (odds ratio = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.13−0.92, p < 0.05). This study demonstrated the effectiveness of probiotics in the prevention and mitigation of cancer therapy−induced oral mucositis. We recommend the use of probiotics to prevent and treat oral mucositis during cancer therapy.

Key Findings

We recommend the use of probiotics to prevent and treat oral mucositis during cancer therapy.

Outcomes Measured

  • inflammatory markers

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 708
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Probiotics
  • Stomatitis
  • Neoplasms
  • Lactobacillus
  • Enteral Nutrition

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: probiotics

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09