Identifying biomarkers for dry mouth caused by radiotherapy

Screening of Diagnostic Biomarkers and Related Mechanisms for Radiation-induced Xerostomia

The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University · NCT06700863

This study is trying to find signs that can predict dry mouth in patients getting radiation treatment for head and neck cancer, to help improve their quality of life.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
SponsorThe First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation
Locations3 sites (Nanjing, Jiangsu and 2 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06700863 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the mechanisms and biomarkers associated with xerostomia, or dry mouth, in patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. By focusing on patients who are about to receive curative treatment, the study seeks to identify early predictive indicators of radiation-induced dry mouth. The goal is to enhance early detection and intervention strategies, ultimately improving the quality of life for these patients. The study will involve collaboration among several prominent hospitals in Nanjing, Jiangsu.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older with a histological diagnosis of head and neck cancer who are planning to undergo radiotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with metastatic diseases, prior head and neck radiotherapy, or severe dry mouth before treatment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved early detection and management of dry mouth in patients undergoing radiotherapy, enhancing their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of identifying biomarkers for xerostomia is not widely tested, similar studies have shown promise in understanding radiation effects on salivary glands.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Histological diagnosis of head and neck cancer;
* Plan to undergo curative treatment with radiotherapy alone or in combination with synchronous chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy;
* Age greater than or equal to 18 years old, Fully understand the purpose and significance of this study, voluntarily participate and sign an informed consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Metastatic diseases;
* History of head and neck radiotherapy;
* Severe dry mouth before radiotherapy;
* Suffering from advanced chronic diseases: heart failure - New York Heart Association functional classification III/IV, renal failure - estimated glomerular filtration rate under 30mL/min/1.73m2, liver failure - Child Pugh score C or D.

Where this trial is running

Nanjing, Jiangsu and 2 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Xerostomia Due to Radiotherapy, Head and neck tumor, radiotherapy, biomarkers, xerostomia

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.