Using N-acetylcysteine to prevent mouth sores in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy

Is this trial a fit for you?

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 is designed to evaluate the effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine in preventing oral mucositis, a painful condition that can occur in patients receiving radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. The study will be a prospective, randomized, controlled trial conducted at Mansoura University Hospital, where participants will receive either N-acetylcysteine alongside standard care or standard care alone. The trial aims to determine if N-acetylcysteine can reduce the incidence and severity of oral mucositis in this patient population. Eligible participants include adults diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck who are scheduled for curative radiotherapy.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adults \>18 years diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck scheduled to receive curative radiotherapy (Primary or postoperative) of at least 50 Gy with or without concurrent chemotherapy.
2. Individuals with healthy mucosa.
3. Adequate bone marrow function (Hemoglobin level ≥10 g/dL, platelet count ≥75 × 103/microliter, and absolute neutrophil count ≥1.5 × 103/microliter).
4. Patients with ECOG performance ≤2

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of chemotherapy or radiotherapy.
2. Signs of systemic infections.
3. Pregnant and lactating women.
4. Individuals receiving systemic analgesics.
5. Liver disorders and renal failure with eGFR \<30 ml/min/1.73m2 (by the MDRD equation).
6. Inability to follow instructions and complete the questionnaires.

Where it's running

• Clinical Oncology and Nuclear Medicine of Mansoura University Hospital
  Al Mansurah, Egypt Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Mohamed el-Husseiny shams, Professor — Department of Clinical pharmacy and Pharmacy practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University
• Study coordinator: Reem Abou-Elezz, BSc
• Email: reemabouelezz@mans.edu.eg
• Phone: +201065396455

Similar studies

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

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• Taurine to prevent radiation-induced mouth sores and skin reactions

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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.