Treatment for dry mouth after head and neck radiation using sialendoscopy and corticosteroids

Interest of the Sialendoscopy Associated With a Local Injection of Corticosteroids in the Treatment of Radio-induced Xerostomia in Comparison With the Hygiene Rules: a Prospective Randomized and Controlled Study

Not applicable Interventional Fondation Hôpital Saint-Joseph · NCT04584164

This study is testing if a new treatment using a special procedure and steroid injections can help adults with dry mouth after radiation for head and neck cancer feel better compared to regular mouth care.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment36 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorFondation Hôpital Saint-Joseph Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsRadiation, chemotherapy
Locations1 site (Paris, Ile-de-France)
Trial IDNCT04584164 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of sialendoscopy combined with a local injection of corticosteroids to treat xerostomia, a common side effect experienced by patients after radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. The study aims to compare this intervention with standard hygiene practices to assess improvements in saliva production and overall quality of life. Eligible participants include adults who have received significant radiation doses to their salivary glands and are experiencing persistent dry mouth symptoms. The trial will monitor changes in salivary function and patient-reported outcomes over time.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have undergone radiation therapy for head and neck cancer and are experiencing xerostomia.

Not a fit: Patients who have had prior surgeries on their salivary glands or those currently experiencing acute infections will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could significantly alleviate dry mouth symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients recovering from head and neck cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on xerostomia treatments, the specific combination of sialendoscopy and corticosteroids in this context is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patient whose age is ≥ 18 years old
* Negative pregnancy test for women of childbearing age
* Patient with head and neck cancer who has had parotid and submaxillary gland irradiation at a received dose greater than or equal to 60 Gy and whose end of treatment by radiotherapy is less than 6 months.
* Patient with a complaint of xerostomia/dry mouth ≥1 month and wishing to benefit from therapeutic treatment
* Patient affiliated to a social security system
* Francophone patient
* Patient who has given free, informed and written consent.

Exclusion Criteria:

* History of surgery of the 4 salivary glands (parotidectomy, under maxillectomy, pelvectomy) or prior sialendoscopy
* Current episode of submaxillitis or acute infectious parotitis
* Presence of a lithiasis pathology on the post-radiotherapy control CT scan
* Patient under guardianship or curatorship
* Patient deprived of liberty
* Patient under legal protection
* Pregnant or nursing patient.

Where this trial is running

Paris, Ile-de-France

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 XerostomiaxerostomiasialendoscopycorticosteroidsENT
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.