CompletedNot Applicable

Prospective Evaluation of Patient Reported Xerostomia After Whole Brain Radiation

United States100 participantsStarted 2015-10

Plain-language summary

The goal of this prospective observational study is to investigate whether whole brain radiation leads to measurable xerostomia from parotid gland toxicity.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 99 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients to be treated with whole brain radiation in 10-15 fractions to a total dose of 25-37.5 Gy for a diagnosis of brain metastases from any disease site or as prophylaxis in the treatment of potentially subclinical intracranial disease (e.g. from small cell lung cancer). * Has not had prior radiation that would have exposed the parotids to a significant (estimated \>10 Gy mean parotid dose) level of radiation within the past one year. Patients receiving prior stereotactic radiosurgery for brain metastasis are eligible for inclusion in this trial as this form of radiation is highly conformal and exposes the parotids to minimal (estimated \<1 Gy) radiation. * Greater than or equal to 18 years of age (no upper age limit). * Informed consent obtained. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients receiving whole brain radiation without the use of a CT-based planning simulation. * Patients who are on medications known to cause dry mouth, such as anticholinergics. * Physically unable to communicate by paper or phone to complete the study survey. * Prisoners.

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Measureable acute increase in xerostomia

Timeframe: baseline to 1 month post-treatment

Trial details

NCT IDNCT02682199

SponsorUNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2018-05

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Xerostomia trials

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 99 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.