Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 and up

Preventing oral mucositis in head and neck cancer patients

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

Run by Catholic University of the Sacred Heart · NCT05853692 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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.

More Oral Mucositis trials

Quick facts

Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment130 (estimated)
SponsorCatholic University of the Sacred Heart
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Roma, Italy)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 10, 2022
Main results expectedOctober 10, 2027
Study endsJune 10, 2028
Registry record updatedMarch 19, 2026
Trial IDNCT05853692 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

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

Probably 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.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

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.

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

Who can join: the full rules

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 it's running

  • Catholic University of the Sacred Hearth
    Roma, Italy, Italy
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.