Lin, L.C., Que, J., Lin, L.K., & Lin, F.C. (2006). Zinc supplementation to improve mucositis and dermatitis in patients after radiotherapy for head-and-neck cancers: A double-blind, randomized study. International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics, 65(3), 745–750.

Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process

Zinc – 25 mg  versus placebo, 3x/day for 2 months

Patients started capsules on first day of RT and continued until completion of RT.

Block randomization

Sample Characteristics

The study was comprised of 100 patients, 50 zinc, 50 placebo, with a mean age of 50–51 years.

RT dose 180–200 cGy daily in five weekly fractions

41-42% patients receiving RT + chemo
 

Setting

Jan 2003 – Aug 2004

Study Design

Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study

Measurement Instruments/Methods

RTOG acute morbidity scoring

Results

Serum zinc levels were higher in the zinc group: 20.5 versus –1.5 (p = 0.02).

Grade 2 mucositis appeared earlier in the placebo group (p = 0.017 and larger proportion of patients).

Grade 3 mucositis also earlier and larger proportion of patients, p = 0.0003.

Results not as significant for patients receiving concurrent chemo.
 

Limitations

Oral analgesics prescribed for pain.
 

Nursing Implications

Recommend continuing treatment out past end of RT as patients in both groups had similar recoveries.

Need to determine optimal dose.