Oral care program for patients with head and neck cancer

Evaluation of an Oral Care Programme for Patients Undergoing Treatment for Head and Neck Cancer Regarding Mucositis, Oral Health, Epigenetic Modifications, Patient-related Factors, Quality of Life and Health Economy

NA · Göteborg University · NCT03481647

This study tests if a special oral care program can help people with head and neck cancer have less mouth soreness during their treatment compared to standard care.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment150 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorGöteborg University (other)
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations2 sites (Gothenburg and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT03481647 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the impact of an intensified oral care program on the prevalence, severity, and duration of mucositis in patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer. Participants will receive professional oral care and will be instructed to perform daily rinses with a saline/bicarbonate solution. The program includes weekly professional care and the use of an oral care diary to track hygiene practices. A control group will receive standard oral care once a week for comparison.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients scheduled to receive full-dose curative radiation therapy that includes major salivary glands in the radiation field.

Not a fit: Patients with recurrent cancer or severe cognitive impairment may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly reduce the incidence and severity of mucositis, improving the quality of life for head and neck cancer patients during treatment.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown that improved oral care can positively impact mucositis in cancer patients, suggesting this approach may be effective.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients scheduled to receive full dose of curative RT including major salivary glands in the radiation field

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with recurrent cancer
* Patients with severe cognitive impairment.

Where this trial is running

Gothenburg and 1 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: Head and Neck Cancer

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.