Preventing oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients

Prevention of Oral Mucositis in Subjects Undergoing Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer. A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Not applicable Interventional Catholic University of the Sacred Heart · NCT05853692

This study tests if a zinc spray can help prevent painful mouth sores in patients with head and neck cancer who are getting radiation treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment130 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCatholic University of the Sacred Heart Academic / other
Locations1 site (Roma, Italy)
Trial IDNCT05853692 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Gel X, a zinc gluconate-based spray, in preventing oral mucositis in patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. It compares the incidence of oral mucositis in patients using Gel X to those using sodium bicarbonate. The study aims to demonstrate that Gel X not only reduces the occurrence of oral mucositis but also alleviates pain and accelerates healing if mucositis occurs. Patients will self-apply the treatment as part of their care regimen.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer who are receiving local radiotherapy and can self-apply the treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with contraindications to any components of Gel X or those with neurological or psychiatric conditions affecting their ability to self-apply the treatment may not benefit.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using Gel X is novel, similar studies have shown that interventions targeting oral mucositis can be beneficial.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with diagnosis of the following HNC: oral cavity, pharynx, unknown primary, salivary glands, undergoing local radiotherapy for curative purpose
* Patients with diagnosis of HNC: oral cavity, pharynx, unknown primary, salivary glands, undergoing local radiotherapy as an adjuvant to surgical resection
* Patients able self-apply the product.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Patients with documented contraindication to any of the components of "Gel X" (there included eccipients): water, saccharin sodium, PVP, Taurine, Zinc Gluconate, PEG-40, Hydrogenated castor oil, Pullulan, Flavors
* Patients with any neurological and psychiatric condition having an influence on the ability to self-apply the treatment
* Patients participating to other clinical studies

Where this trial is running

Roma, Italy

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.
Conditions Oral Mucositis
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.