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#118549 06-25-2010 08:06 PM
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I would like to report on the results of the use of Manuka honey by my brother to prevent mucositis (mouth sores) caused by radiation.

My brother has just completed 33 radiation treatments and has finished 6 rounds of chemo. At the end of treatment, he has no mouth sores and only two small blisters under his tongue. At the first round of chemo his oncologist insisted that my brother have a peg installed. The doctor said that my brother had a 98% chance of having mouth and throat sores so bad by the end of the third week that he would need to eat through a peg. The doctor wanted the peg in before this occurred so my brother would not miss nutrition.

Well my brother used Manuka honey from the day of the first treatment. He had the consent of his radiologist and his oncologist to use the honey. Not only has the Manuka honey prevented mouth and throat sores but it has cleared up a case of mild gingivitis that he had developed after surgery. If one searches �Manuka Honey gingivitis� on the site PubMed one will find the research on gingivitis and Manuka Honey. PubMed is a site supported by the National Institute of Health.

Prior to recommending the use of Manuka Honey to my brother, I had contacted the one of the trial doctors doing research on Manuka honey as prevention of mucositis of the mouth caused by chemotherapy and radiation. Her instructions were to swish one teaspoon of raw Manuka Honey around in one�s mouth for about 30 seconds, four times a day. Use it right before radiation, right after radiation and twice more during the day. My brother followed her instructions varying only to increase the times he used the honey from 4 to 6 times a day as radiation progressed. As I have already mentioned, he ended his course of radiation with only a couple of blisters under his tongue at the last week during the �boost�. He was able to eat by mouth during the whole time.

One can find more information on this clinical trial by Googling �Manuka Honey oral cancer�. Look for the site that says �A Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial of Manuka Honey for Oral Mucositis Due to Radiation Therapy for Cancer�. The information on this trial is on the ClinicalTrials.gov web site, a service of the National Institute of Health (NIH).

There is no guarantee that Manuka Honey will work for everyone or that it will prevent all mouth sores. Of course one should get the permission of one�s doctors before using it. The results of the clinical trial are due out in August of 2011.


Brother Dx oral cancer March 23. Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Mod Dif Anterior Floor of Mouth, Peridental Soft Tissue, Right Bony Margin. Lymph Nodes 0/56 Stage II,pT2,pN0 2.8 cm
I was Dx b/cancer 9/2007. IDC Stage2 Grade2 2.4 cm 0/8 Nodes ER+ PR+ Her-2 Rad 33 no chemo.
notself #118580 06-26-2010 05:42 PM
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I wish that more people that wanted to put up adjunctive ideas looked into things as well as this poster. While the studies are ongoing, there is preliminary info from reliable and trusted sources. That doesn't mean it's going to end up being the next coming, it means that the idea and proof of principle evidence was good enough to get funding from credible people and institutions. We'll know more in another year about this, as to whether or not it is a meaningful and helpful adjunct.

Should some of you decide this idea is worth pursuing, please check with your treating doctors. Also remember that those of us that have radiation have high susceptibility to dental caries. If someone is going to do this, you are putting sugar directly in an environment that is already cavity prone. Something that sugar along with poor hygiene practices is public enemy number one for. Hygiene and monitoring from a dental person I think would be prudent to have at full speed while doing this.


Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.
Brian Hill #119136 07-07-2010 08:52 PM
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I sent an email to the doctor in charge of the Manuka Honey study asking her about the risk of tooth decay. She sent me the following reference.

"This is taken from a reference (Rasghad et al)"

'Pure honey is acidic, with a pH of
around 3.9. A solubility-reducing factor present in
honey can activate in the absence of saliva.
Honey applied to radiation-induced xerotic mucosa
increases the micro-hardness of enamel, thereby preventing
caries.'

I hope this address your concerns.


Brother Dx oral cancer March 23. Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Mod Dif Anterior Floor of Mouth, Peridental Soft Tissue, Right Bony Margin. Lymph Nodes 0/56 Stage II,pT2,pN0 2.8 cm
I was Dx b/cancer 9/2007. IDC Stage2 Grade2 2.4 cm 0/8 Nodes ER+ PR+ Her-2 Rad 33 no chemo.
notself #119144 07-08-2010 12:44 AM
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Well, it would appear that they disagree with the dental oncologists at MDACC who are really the only people I asked for opinions on it before I took the time to answer the original post. Since the data on this entire idea is preliminary, (not the caries, the effectiveness of honey as a reduction agent in mucocitis since there isn't a large clinical trial), I think running out and doing this is an unknown. But if people here want to do it, and obviously there are several of you that are sold on it even though the data is not robust, people should do what they wish.

OCF will not endorse the idea until it is a mainstream idea, with known outcomes. That means when multiple institutions buy into it through some kind of review process. We treat every new drug idea or treatment in the same way. From my own perspective, and I will forward this onto people that know more than me tomorrow, of course it is less soluble in a dry environment, that is a forgone conclusion, everything is; and that solubility does not address the question. If it is meant to insinuate that it stays on the mucosa and does not become viscous enough to get in between your teeth and all the micro grooves and fossas in the occlusal surfaces, that seems less than plausible. Acidic elements from Coke and lemon juice are known to be harmful to enamel and have been published on. As to increasing the mico hardness of the enamel, there is no explanation of how this might take place, and if that could be done, then the potential here would be in the general population, to help prevent caries by doing this. If micro hardness (a pretty abstract term) could be achieved, -you would have to have a mechanism for recalicifying the porosity of the enamel that comes as a radiation byproduct -we could eliminate caries in underserved and poor populations by doing so, and those are kids that do not have the $ to go to the dentist. No one anywhere has suggested that. There is a lot of grey in this statement.

Since everyone is seems happy to accept vague claims, and early stage findings, I am really done with the PM's and the back and forth on the idea until more data is abailable. Accept it if you wish. I have voiced what I believe legitimate concerns from OCF's perspective, based on opinions by oral oncologists at MDACC. It is an interesting idea. I hope it offers some serious relief 'cause I can tell you personally, really bad mucocitis had me on morphine for almost a year.... the worst experience ever. What the honey solution turns out to be 5 years from now, remains to be seen. What the data shows related to other dental issues does not exists (caries).

You are all free individuals and can do as you see appropriate along with your doctors.


Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.
Brian Hill #119173 07-08-2010 12:31 PM
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To be on morphine for a year is horrifying. I hope you have completely recovered, Brian. The only reason I posted my brother's results was to help in some small way.



Brother Dx oral cancer March 23. Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Mod Dif Anterior Floor of Mouth, Peridental Soft Tissue, Right Bony Margin. Lymph Nodes 0/56 Stage II,pT2,pN0 2.8 cm
I was Dx b/cancer 9/2007. IDC Stage2 Grade2 2.4 cm 0/8 Nodes ER+ PR+ Her-2 Rad 33 no chemo.
notself #119178 07-08-2010 02:27 PM
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I have gotten to my new normal thanks for asking. But I had an unusually acute reaction to the radiation treatments, and I went through before IMRT so I got the maximum amount of dosage EVERYWHERE with very little targeting like they can now with IMRT.

This is a good thread, it's worth watching over the next year what happens with the honey, if it actually in the greater population works well, that would be way cool. I know that you just wanted to add something to help people, not push anything. If you see any new data published on it, please let us all know about it.


Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.
Brian Hill #119182 07-08-2010 04:16 PM
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A bit off the topic, I know, but I am using Manuka medihoney at present for a bad head cold - it is popular here in Australia. It seems to help my with my extra dry mouth and sore throat. As far as I am concerned it is worth using because it is not going to hurt me - I don't expect it to 'cure' my cold, just alleviate some of the symptoms. Naturally I continue to look after my teeth as a priority.

I wish your brother well with his treatment. Helen


RHTonsil SCC Stage IV tx completed May 03
aussieh #119191 07-08-2010 08:56 PM
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My mom used to give me honey when I was a kid to sooth my sore throat during colds. It seemed to work, and of course as a kid, it was way better than regular medicine taste. Of course she also used to wipe a bit of that greasy Vicks vapo rub under my nose.... and on my chest. That was nasty!


Brian, stage 4 oral cancer survivor. OCF Founder and Director. The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality. The last is to say thank you. In between, the leader is a servant.
Brian Hill #119193 07-09-2010 12:47 AM
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So it's not country specific..had both the honey and Vicks too wink


History Leukoplakia bx 8/2006 SCC floor mouth T3N0M0- Verrucous Carcinoma.
14 hour 0p SCC-Right ND/excision/marginal mandibulectomy 9/2006, 4 teeth removed, flap from wrist, trach-ng 6 days- no chemo/rad.
6 ops and debulking (flap/tongue join) + bx's 2006-2012.
bx Jan 2012 Hyperkeratosis-Epithelial Dysplasia
24cm GIST tumour removed 8/2013. Indefinite Oral Chemo.

1/31/16 passed away peacefully surrounded by family

Gabe #119202 07-09-2010 05:19 AM
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My grandfather swallowed a spoon full of Vicks EVERY day since I can remember and he never had any colds or flu and lived to 98 and he really didn't need to die then as he just refused medical Tx. Stubborn ole coot! So believe me I had my share of Vicks growing up.


David

Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
notself #119323 07-12-2010 07:19 PM
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I was wondering if you could elaborate on the use of Manuka Honey. Did you use regular, raw cold slung honey or did your brother use the gamma radiated product? I am familiar with the study you referenced and I'm a big believer in the potential uses of honey-specifically manuka. I have a friend who will be undergoing radiation treatment for brain cancer, and I would like her to use it, but I haven't been able to find the irradiated product. Did your brother use the non-irradiated product. I know there is some question as to whether immunocompromised people can use non-irradiated honey because of the risk of botulinum spores.
Any assistance would be appreciated.

pharmd #119396 07-14-2010 01:56 PM
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The doctor who is running the study is using irradiated honey but since it isn't available she recommended using raw manuka. My brother has no problem with his immune system and like many of us is in excellent health except for the darn cancer.

He still has some sores along the direct radiation line. He is controlling the discomfort with magic mouthwash and the sores are starting to heal. The sores showed up during the "boost" period of the radiation treatment. He tells me that the manuka honey now burns in the area of the sores so he has diluted it with green tea. Prior to the sores appearing he had no discomfort from the honey.

His cancer was in the anterior floor of the mouth.


Brother Dx oral cancer March 23. Invasive Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Mod Dif Anterior Floor of Mouth, Peridental Soft Tissue, Right Bony Margin. Lymph Nodes 0/56 Stage II,pT2,pN0 2.8 cm
I was Dx b/cancer 9/2007. IDC Stage2 Grade2 2.4 cm 0/8 Nodes ER+ PR+ Her-2 Rad 33 no chemo.
notself #121107 08-30-2010 07:48 AM
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Manuka honey is well known to most Australians and Kiwis. Manuka is the Kiwi name for the tea tree, the leaves of which are also used for their antiseptic properties (and it smells nice).

The honey has long been studied for it's healing properties Gethin found manuka honey outperformed hydrogel therapy in the treatment of leg ulcers (Gethin G and Cowman S, Journal of Clinical Nursing. Volume 18, Issue 3, pages 466�474, February 2009) whilst Cooper et al suggested Manuka Honey might be effective against antibiotic resistant staphlycoccus aureus (MRSA) (Cooper et al, J R Soc Med. 1999 June; 92(6): 283�285). I have also read about oral ulcers but can't locate a decent reference but if anyone else wants to search around a guy called Molan from Waitkatu (sp) University did a lot of the early work (early 90s)and may be a good place to start.
I personally used it (the tea tree oil not the honey) as a teenager for dandruff and stuck the honey on my pimples with good effect (although waking up with ants crawling over my face put me off a bit).

If it doesn't make you better it (the tea tree oil) also makes for a great mould and mildew cleaner or room deodorizer smile


Karen
Love of Life to Alex T4N2M0 SCC Tonsil, BOT, R lymph nodes
Dx March 2010 51yrs. Unresectable. HPV+ve
Tx Chemo x 3+1 cycles(cisplatin,docetaxel,5FU)- complete May 31
Chemoradiation (IMRTx35 + weekly cisplatin)
Finish Aug 27
Return to work 2 years on
3 years out Aug 27 2013 NED smile
Still underweight
klo #124558 11-12-2010 10:16 PM
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My Dr. suggested the honey when I started the radiation. I purchased the Manuka but couldn't tell if I was getting the "active" or not or whatever. I had treatment #10 today and have been eating fine - except that nothing tastes good - so far. I do have a small sore in my far cheek that might have been from food or toothbrush and a small sore spot under my tongue from the fluoride tray. Have a very dry mouth but the Dr. has seemed surprised that I was still eating. If it helps, it is worth it...if not, no major loss I guess. :o)

Michele in IL


Female - 53 no smoke/drink
tongue Biopsy 8/2010
Surgery 9/21 for SCC left side tongue stage II. Prtl removal tongue/left side lymph nodes. All Clear
Radiation started 11/2, ended 12/17
Lymph node involved left side along with gum involvement 2/9 Fibular flap failed 2/22.
passed away 1/12/12
Michele57 #125250 11-25-2010 10:54 PM
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I've also read its good for scar healing so I've been putting it on my neck scar. As its antibacterial too, it can't hurt to try cool


Monica,33 Mum of 3. Former smoker
SCC right lateral tongue. Intially thought to be cell dysplasia and dx as SCC after surgical excision.
Nov 2010- partial glossectomy (1cm in width), partial neck dissection. Margins clear, nothing found in nodes- YAY! Benign tumor on saliva gland.
monicacc #125891 12-08-2010 05:44 PM
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My scar is looking really good- my surgeon/ENT guy couldn't believe how well it looked 3 weeks post-surgery and I put it down to the manuka honey (also regular application of aloe vera). I've been putting the honey on it every night. THe only side effect is that sometimes I wake up with ants crawling on my neck!!!! I've also been rubbing it on my tongue and gums.I highly reccomend it grin You have to make sure its the one with the high percentage of 'active' qualities (mine is 16+).

There's lots of scientific literature around the benefits of manuka honey for both wound infections and scar repair
e.g. http://journals.lww.com/jwocnonline...A_Potent_Agent_for_Wound_Healing_.8.aspx


Monica,33 Mum of 3. Former smoker
SCC right lateral tongue. Intially thought to be cell dysplasia and dx as SCC after surgical excision.
Nov 2010- partial glossectomy (1cm in width), partial neck dissection. Margins clear, nothing found in nodes- YAY! Benign tumor on saliva gland.
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