Sodium selenite supplementation for patients with head and neck cancer

The Role of Sodium Selenite Supplementation in Patients With Locally Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Undergoing Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy

Not applicable Interventional Chang Gung Memorial Hospital · NCT05451576

This study tests if taking sodium selenite can help people with head and neck cancer feel better and handle treatment side effects while they are undergoing chemotherapy and radiation.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorChang Gung Memorial Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation, chemotherapy
Locations1 site (Keelung)
Trial IDNCT05451576 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates the effects of sodium selenite supplementation in patients diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy. It aims to evaluate whether selenium, an essential trace element, can reduce treatment toxicity and improve the quality of life for these patients. The study includes a comparison between sodium selenite and a placebo to assess its impact on immune response and side effects associated with treatment. Eligible participants are those aged 20-75 with specific cancer stages and adequate organ function.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 20-75 with histologically confirmed head and neck squamous cell carcinoma scheduled for concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with nasopharyngeal cancer or those with a history of selenium allergy or intolerance may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance treatment tolerance and improve overall quality of life for patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown mixed results regarding selenium supplementation in head and neck cancer, indicating both potential benefits and negative responses.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Histological proven head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, or metastatic cervical lymphadenopathy of unknown primary origin) who were scheduled for adjuvant or primary concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).
* American Joint Committee on Cancer 8th edition stage III, IVA, and IVB patients.
* Age 20-75 years old.
* Adequate hematopoietic or organ function (leukocyte count ≥ 3.0 x 109/L, hemoglobin ≥ 10 g/dL, platelet count ≥ 100 x109/L, serum bilirubin level ≤ 1.5 mg/dL, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase levels (AST) ≤ 3 x upper limit of normal, and serum creatinine level ≤ 1.6 mg/dL or creatinine clearance ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73m2).
* ECOG performance status grade≦2.
* Subjects understand this study, agree to join this study and are able to sign the written inform consent form.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Nasopharyngeal cancer.
* History of selenium allergy or intolerance.
* Received selenium supplementation in recent 1 month.
* Uncontrolled infection - according to PI diagnosis
* Heart failure - New York Heart Association class IV
* Impaired liver function (serum total bilirubin \> 2 x upper limit of normal (ULN), ALT and/or AST \> 5 x ULN).
* Impaired renal function: serum creatinine \> 1.5 x ULN.
* Inadequate bone marrow function (white blood cell count \< 2,500 / mm3 (\<2.5 x 10\^9/L), platelets \< 100,000 / mm3 (\< 100 x 10\^9/L) and hemoglobin \< 10 g/dL).

Where this trial is running

Keelung

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 Head and Neck Squamous Cell CarcinomaSeleniumSodium SeleniteSodium selenitechemoradiotherapyhead and neck cancer
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.