Using coconut oil mouth rinse to prevent mouth sores in kids undergoing chemotherapy
Official title: A Randomized, Open-label Study of Coconut Oil Mouth Rinse for Prophylaxis of Severe Oral Mucositis in Pediatric Patients Receiving Myeloablative Conditioning Regimens
Run by Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NCT05441813 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if using a mouth rinse made from coconut oil can help prevent mouth sores in kids and young adults undergoing chemotherapy.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 7 Years to 26 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Wake Forest University Health Sciences Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Charlotte, North Carolina) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | February 15, 2023 |
| Main results expected | July 2036 |
| Study ends | July 2036 |
| Registry record updated | July 22, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05441813 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are pediatric patients aged 7 to 26 years who are scheduled to undergo myeloablative conditioning for hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with allergies to tree nuts or those who are planned for discharge prior to the study's treatment period may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This clinical trial aims to determine if a mouth rinse made from virgin coconut oil (VCO) can effectively prevent oral mucositis in pediatric patients receiving high-dose chemotherapy. The study will compare the standard mucositis prevention rinses with the addition of VCO to assess the severity of oral mucositis between the two groups. Participants aged 7 to 26 years will be enrolled and monitored from the start of their conditioning regimen through 45 days post-transplant or until hospital discharge. The trial is randomized and open-label, ensuring a thorough evaluation of the intervention's effectiveness.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence and severity of mouth sores in children undergoing chemotherapy.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of coconut oil for oral health is known, this specific application in preventing chemotherapy-induced oral mucositis is novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Subject must meet all the following applicable inclusion criteria to participate in this study: 1. Written informed consent, HIPAA authorization for release of personal health information, and assent, when applicable from the subject, parent, or legal guardian. 2. Age greater than or equal to 7 years to 26 years at the time of consent 3. Patients planning to undergo myeloablative conditioning regimens in preparation for HSCT 4. ECOG Performance Status of less than or equal to 2 or Lansky/Karnofsky Performance Status of greater than or equal to 50 within 7 days prior to date of enrollment. 5. No evidence of mouth lesions at time of enrollment 6. Ability of the subject and parent/caregiver to understand and comply with study procedures for the entire length of the study 7. Able and willing to swish/spit the oral formulation Exclusion Criteria: Subjects meeting any of the criteria below may not participate in the study: 1. Allergy to tree nuts 2. Planned discharge home prior to engraftment 3. Using coconut oil mouth rinses within 30 days prior to enrollment 4. Using additional mouthcare regimens, other than those allowed in the institutional SOP, prior to admission with a plan to continue use during admission 5. Patient has undergone HSCT within the last 90 days prior to admission
Where it's running
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Atrium Health Levine Children's Hospital
Charlotte, North Carolina, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Courtney Huddle, DCN, RDN, CSPCC, LDN — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Sceria Jenkins, RN
- Email: sceria.jenkins@advocatehealth.org
- Phone: 980-442-2323
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Copaiba Mouthwash with Low-Level Laser Therapy to Prevent Mouth Sores After Stem Cell Transplant
This phase 2 trial tests whether a copaíba-based mouthwash, used four times daily, can help prevent oral mucositis in patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
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Chlorophyllin to reduce mouth sores before allogeneic stem cell transplant
This phase II study tests whether taking chlorophyllin by mouth can lower the chances and severity of mouth ulcers in patients aged 12–65 undergoing radiation-based conditioning before a first allogeneic stem cell transplant.
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Ozone gas plus biomimetic toothpaste and mouthwash to treat cancer therapy mouth sores
This trial will test whether adding a biomimetic toothpaste and mouthwash to ozone gas therapy helps adults with chemo- or radiotherapy-induced mouth sores heal faster and have less pain.
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High-level laser therapy for oral mucositis in children receiving hematopoietic stem cell transplant
This trial tests whether high-level laser therapy can reduce the pain and severity of oral mucositis in children undergoing hematopoietic stem cell (bone marrow) transplantation.
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Amimestrocel infusion to prevent severe mouth sores after allogeneic stem cell transplant
This study will try a single IV infusion of Amimestrocel in adults receiving myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplants with TBI or melphalan to see if it prevents severe mouth sores.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.