The purpose of this study is to determine if Hyperbaric Oxygen (HBO) therapy improves salivary gland function in previously head-and-neck irradiated patients. The following will be evaluated: salivary a-amylase, IGF-1, Thrombospondin-1, and VEGF-A concentrations, resting and stimulated salivary flow rate and pH, and salivary buffering capacity. Demographic data, past medical/surgical histories, social history and habits, risk factors, medication list, nutritional status, stage and location of tumor treated, dose/duration of radiation, and time elapsed since radiation treatment will be reviewed and recorded. Subjects will complete a quality of life questionnaire, describe (presence/absence) dry mouth symptoms prior to HBO therapy, and provide current A1c level, or submit to a finger stick. The following groups will be evaluated: 1. Head-and-neck irradiated subjects with ORN (indicating HBO therapy) 2. Subjects with other conditions indicating HBO therapy (positive control), and 3. Head-and-neck irradiated subjects without ORN (negative control). Subjects will include 78 males or females, 18 years old and over. In total, participation will last 22 weeks.
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Volume of Stimulated Saliva
Timeframe: Pre-treatment to post treatment, average duration of 12 weeks