Probiotic Lozenges Reduced Oral Mucositis in Radiation Trial
Patients receiving head and neck radiotherapy saw lower rates of severe mouth sores with daily probiotic use.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Cancer
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A double-blind, randomized phase II trial conducted through January 2025 found that taking Limosilactobacillus reuteri lozenges twice daily lowered the incidence of severe oral mucositis. This common side effect of head and neck radiotherapy causes painful mouth sores that can interfere with treatment.
Why it matters
Reducing oral mucositis is a priority for patients because severe cases can lead to pain, difficulty swallowing, and potential interruptions in life-saving radiation therapy. This study suggests a new supportive care option that may help maintain treatment schedules.
In a trial of 160 patients, Limosilactobacillus reuteri lozenges reduced the incidence of severe oral mucositis to 37.5% compared to 61.3% for those taking a placebo, representing an absolute risk reduction of 23.8 percentage points.
The players
West China Hospital of Sichuan University
A major academic medical center where the clinical trial investigating L. reuteri for radiotherapy side effects was performed.
The details
The lozenges deliver beneficial bacteria that may help modulate the oral microbiome, which is frequently disrupted by radiation therapy. By potentially reducing inflammation and altering bacterial composition in the mouth, these probiotics helped delay the onset and shorten the duration of painful mucositis lesions. No significant safety concerns were identified during the study period.
Timeline
Trial procedures commenced in March 2024.
The clinical trial procedures concluded in January 2025.
Health Landscape
This study contributes to the growing body of research exploring the use of probiotics to mitigate the side effects of cancer treatments. It highlights a shift toward incorporating microbiome-targeted therapies into standard supportive care protocols for head and neck oncology patients.
If you are preparing for head and neck radiation therapy, discuss the role of oral care and potential supportive supplements with your oncology team. It is essential to confirm that any probiotic or oral health product you consider is safe and compatible with your specific treatment plan.
The takeaway
Research indicates that daily probiotic lozenges may serve as a helpful tool to reduce the severity of mouth sores during radiotherapy. Always check with your physician before introducing new supplements to your care regimen to ensure they do not interfere with your prescribed cancer treatment.
Further reading
For more on managing treatment side effects, visit our Cancer section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nature.
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