Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids Against Chemotherapy-induced Mucositis: A Double-blind Randomized Clinical Trial.

OBJECTIVE: This double-blind randomized clinical trial evaluates the ef cacy and route of administration of omega-3 fatty acids for the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis in patients undergoing che- motherapy in Iranian hospitals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients developing World Health Organization (WHO) grade 1 oral mucositis were randomized to the omega-3 fatty acid (n=30) or placebo (n=30) group. Mucositis was assessed according to the WHO, Western Consortium for Cancer Nursing Research, and Oral Mucositis Weekly Questionnaire cri- teria at baseline and rst, second, and third weeks of chemotherapy un- til mucositis resolved. RESULTS: Differences in the severity of mucositis between the omega-3 and placebo groups in the rst, second, and third weeks of treatment based on the WHO criteria were noted. This study showed that patients in the omega-3 group experienced less pain during the rst, second, and third weeks of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Omega-3 fatty acids are a safe, effective method for preventing and treating oral mucositis in patients receiving mucotoxic cancer chemotherapy.