A Propolis-Based Protocol for Oral Health in Palliative Care: Results from a Phase II Trial

Oral disorders (ODs) in palliative care (PC) are highly prevalent and significantly impact patients' quality of life (QoL). Nevertheless, evidence-based management recommendations are lacking. Several natural products are safe, well-accepted, and effective for mucosal conditions. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a propolis-based product combined with basic oral hygiene in preventing and treating ODs. A prospective, open-label, single-center phase II study was performed. Adult patients in PC with cancer or noncancer diagnoses, who were conscious, able to swallow, with a life expectancy of more than one week, were recruited. ODs' improvement or maintenance of oral health was observed in 89.6% of cases. Severity of ODs significantly decreased (p < 0.001), along with reductions in oropharyngeal pain (p = 0.002) and dysgeusia (p < 0.001). Meal comfort, completion, and QoL improved; acceptability was excellent. The protocol was safe, well-accepted, and effective for ODs in adult patients in PC. The study protocol was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04911335.