Malnutrition poses a significant problem for oncology patients, resulting in fatalities within this population. Patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) are at high risk, with up to 90% developing malnutrition. Common treatments used for HNC can often lead to adverse side effects, including oral health conditions, gastrointestinal upsets, and several metabolic changes. Consequently, treatments can cause inadequate nutritional intake, resulting in a reduction in energy consumption, and alterations in energy utilization, contributing to the development of malnutrition. Furthermore, the presence of these treatment toxicities, and the related malnutrition can lead to reduced quality of life, weight loss, and psychological distress. There are interventions available (nutritional, medicinal, and physical therapies) that have demonstrated potential effectiveness in reducing the severity of symptomatic toxicities, reducing the risk of malnutrition, and improving survival outcomes of patients with HNC. Based on the findings of this review, there is an urgent need for the implementation or continuation of multi-disciplinary strategies, as well as updated and improved guidelines to assist in the prevention and treatment of malnutrition caused by treatment-related toxicities in patients with HNC.

Honey is a supersaturated sugar solution produced from plant nectar, with its composition influenced by geographic and floral origins, and with several properties contributing to its health-related abilities. This study aimed to determine the bioactive composition, antioxidant characteristics, antibacterial activity, and physicochemical properties of commercial Australian honeys. In total, 42 commercial Australian honeys were selected, and categorised according to front-label descriptions. Honeys were analysed: quality (Hydroxymethylfurfural); colour (colour intensity, L*,a*,b*); bioactive composition (phenolic, flavonoid, and carotenoid content); antioxidant characteristics (DPPH, CUPRAC, FRAP); antibacterial activity (MIC₅₀); physicochemical properties (pH, TSS, viscosity, a_w). Colour intensity correlated with each assessed bioactive compound and antioxidant characteristic (p ≤ 0.001). MIC₅₀ (S. aureus) was associated with FRAP and a_w, suggesting mechanisms of action for honey's antibacterial activity. Manuka-type honeys had higher colour intensity (1440 (98.5) mAU) than other categories (p ≤ 0.05), and consistently higher bioactive and antioxidant properties. This provides the potential to inform antioxidant-related health outcomes.

Androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer treatment is associated with adverse physiological changes; however, exercise can improve outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to determine exercise intervention adherence and its effects on physiological outcomes in men diagnosed with prostate cancer undergoing ADT. Uniquely, this review incorporated a meta-aggregation of qualitative data, providing perspectives from the men’s experiences. A systematic review and meta-analysis were completed following PRISMA guidelines. Databases (CINAHL, Cochrane, PubMed) were searched for studies using “prostate cancer”, “exercise intervention”, and “androgen deprivation therapy”. Quantitative randomised controlled trials describing adherence to exercise interventions were selected, with qualitative articles selected based on descriptions of experiences around participation. Subgroup meta-analyses of adherence, exercise mode, and intervention duration were completed for quality of life, aerobic fitness, fatigue, and strength. In total, 644 articles were identified, with 29 (n = 23 quantitative; n = 6 qualitative) articles from 25 studies included. Exercise had no effects (p < 0.05) on quality of life and fatigue. Significant effects (all p < 0.05) were observed for aerobic fitness, and upper- and lower-body strength. Adherence to exercise-based interventions was 80.38%, with improvements observed in aerobic fitness and strength. Subgroup analysis revealed exercise adherence impacted fatigue and strength, with greater improvements observed in programs >12-weeks.

Honey’s composition and appearance is largely influenced by floral and geographic origins. Australian honeys are frequently sourced from supermarkets; however, properties associated with consumer preference and likeability remain relatively unknown. The aim of this study was to complete sensory and compositional analyses on a selection of commercially available Australian honeys. Samples (n = 32) were analysed for visual, olfactory and taste characteristics, with overall likeability assessed by the trained sensory panel (n = 24; M = 12). Compositional analysis included colour intensity (mAU); phenolic content; antioxidant characteristics (DPPH, CUPRAC); and physicochemical properties (pH, viscosity, total soluble solids). There were 23 honey samples that were significantly less liked when compared to the most liked honey (p < 0.05). The likeability of honey was positively associated with perceived sweetness (p < 0.01), and it was negatively associated with crystallisation; odour intensity; waxy, chemical, and fermented smell; mouthfeel; aftertaste; sourness; bitterness and pH (All p’s < 0.05). The price (AUD/100 g) was not associated with likeability (p = 0.143), suggesting price value potentially does not influence consumer preferences. Conclusively, differences in likeability between the honey samples demonstrate that consumer perception of sampled honeys is diverse. Honey preference is primarily driven by the organoleptic properties, particularly perceived negative tastes, rather than their antioxidant capacity or phenolic content.

Objectives: Oral mucositis is a debilitating oncology treatment side effect, with honey identified as a viable management option due to established wound-healing abilities. However, effects of saliva on properties attributed to honey’s wound-healing abilities is unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to identify interactions between saliva, and antioxidant characteristics and pH of honey. Methods: Saliva was collected from 15 healthy participants (Females n=9; mean age=34.1 ± 11.2 years). Centrifuged salivary supernatant, whole saliva, and water were independently used to dilute commercial Australian honeys (n=42). Antioxidant characteristics (DPPH and FRAP) and pH of diluted honeys were analysed, and differences between dilution conditions were determined. Results: Honey and saliva dilutions increased antioxidant characteristics compared to water, and addition of honey to saliva reduced pH compared with saliva alone. There were significant differences between dilutions for FRAP and pH, and water and salivary conditions for DPPH (p<0.001). No difference was observed between salivary conditions for DPPH (p=0.931), suggesting smaller cells remaining in the supernatant possess antioxidant abilities. However, differences observed for FRAP suggest precipitable molecules, including epithelial and food debris, could provide additional antioxidant power. Conclusions: The addition of saliva to honey may support properties attributed to honey’s wound-healing abilities and should be considered in the context of oral mucositis management.