The Value of Camellia sinensis in the Management of Toxicity Induced by Cancer Treatments

Abstract

While radiotherapy is one of the main treatments for head and neck cancer, adverse effects limit its effectiveness and affect patients' quality of life. Although various radioprotective substances have been proposed, comprehensive strategies are needed to modulate radiotoxicity. In this regard, compounds from green tea (Camellia sinensis), with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative properties, could be suitable for optimizing the radiotherapy relationship. A descriptive, prospective study was conducted with a group of 50 patients with head and neck cancer, predominantly male (64%) and with a mean age of 63 years. All these individuals were referred for radiotherapy and agreed to participate in an intervention protocol with green tea mouth rinses (5 g/L/day) and monitoring of acute radiation effects. Toxicity was assessed using the RTOG (Radiation Oncology Group) scale. Pain was recorded using the VAS (Visual Analogue Scale). The most significant results concern the delay in mucositis (a critical variable) across most anatomical locations, compared with expectations (p < 0.05). Seventy-four percent of the observed lesions were mild. Regarding xerostomia, it manifested primarily as grade I (mild) in 44% of patients. Likewise, only 28% of individuals developed grade I (mild) dermatitis, and 10% developed grade II (moderate). Finally, only 4% of patients experienced severe pain (scale 6-8). Thus, the green tea intervention enabled radiation dose escalation while respecting therapeutic levels and mitigating toxicity that impairs patient well-being. In addition, green tea is readily available and easy to use, making Camellia sinensis an effective modulator of treatment for oral carcinomas.