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. 2023 Aug;37(8):462-469.
doi: 10.1007/s12149-023-01845-w. Epub 2023 May 7.

Effects of apitherapy against salivary gland disorder after radioactive iodine therapy for differentiated thyroid cancer

Kenta Nomura  1 , Michihiro Nakayama  2 , Atsutaka Okizaki  2
Affiliations

Effects of apitherapy against salivary gland disorder after radioactive iodine therapy for differentiated thyroid cancer

Kenta Nomura et al. Ann Nucl Med. 2023 Aug.

Abstract

Objective: Sialadenitis and salivary gland disorders are complications of radioactive iodine therapy (RAIT) that affect the quality of life of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC). The current study aimed to provide evidence on the protective effect of apitherapy on salivary gland function during RAIT in patients with DTC.

Methods: In total, 120 patients with DTC who underwent total thyroidectomy were divided into the apitherapy group (group A, n = 60) and the control group (group B, n = 60). Group A received 2.5 g of acacia honey three times daily after each meal during admission for RAIT. Statistical analyses were performed using the Saxon test (which is used to evaluate saliva volume) and salivary gland scintigraphy (which is applied to assess maximum uptake ratio and washout ratio).

Results: Compared with group B, group A presented with a more significantly positive change in the rate of amount of saliva before and after treatment (P < 0.01). Group B presented a significant decrease in the maximum uptake ratio of the bilateral parotid and submandibular glands on salivary gland scintigraphy (P < 0.05) and washout ratio of all salivary glands (P < 0.05). Group A did not present significant differences in the maximum uptake ratio and washout ratio.

Conclusions: Apitherapy can have protective effects against salivary gland disorder associated with RAIT in patients with DTC.

Keywords: Apitherapy; DTC; RAIT; Salivary gland disorder.

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