RecruitingPhase 3

Combination Therapy: Hyperbaric Oxygen and PENTOCLO for Treatment of Osteoradionecrosis of the Mandible

Canada24 participantsStarted 2025-01-16

Plain-language summary

Radiation is commonly used to treat cancer in the head and neck, however, this can lead to a serious complication called osteoradionecrosis (ORN), where there is necrotic (dead) open bone inside or outside of the mouth. This complication is difficult to treat, involves large healthcare costs, and can have devastating effects on quality of life. Two common adjuncts used in treatment of ORN are hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), which may requires up to 60 treatments at a specialized clinic where patients are treated with high concentrations of oxygen using special chambers, and a less complex option called PENTOCLO which involves treating patients with several antibiotics followed by a combination of other oral medications taken for at least 1 year. This pilot study will be guide the design of a definitive trial to examine if the combination of HBOT and a modified PENTOCLO protocol together is better than the current standard treatment of HBOT alone. Outcomes will include pain, side effects and the need for surgery in patients with ORN. Specifically, the results of this small, pilot study will help to inform the design of a future larger study.

Who can participate

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

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of mandibular ORN after completion of radiotherapy * ORN will be defined as "an area of exposed devitalized irradiated bone (\> 20 mm2)"; minor bone spicules (MBS) (\< 20 mm2) in the absence of radiographic abnormality, will be considered clinically insignificant * Has no contraindications for undergoing hyperbaric oxygen therapy as assessed by a Hyperbaric Physician, and is willing to commit the time to undergo 60 sessions * Negative Human Chronic Gonadotropin (hCG) screening test at baseline (for female patients of reproductive age not practicing medically acceptable methods of birth control (e.g., hormonal contraceptives, implants, injectables, intrauterine device (IUD), intrauterine system (IUS), vasectomy and bilateral tubal ligation) * Baseline in-date ECG (within 60 days prior to enrolment) * Age ≥ 18 Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to give informed consent * Previous treatment for ORN (PENTOCLO, HBOT or surgery) * Major surgical procedure planned (more extensive than sequestrectomy) * Severe trismus and inability to obtain intraoral photographs * Contraindications for HBOT: pneumothorax, bullous disease, uncontrolled hypertension, uncontrolled epilepsy, claustrophobia * Contraindications to mPENTOCLO (inability to swallow medication; pregnancy or lactating; allergy to any study drug; currently on oral anticoagulants; hemorrhagic/coagulation disorder; Vitamin K deficiency; active unresolved cardiac disease; severe liver or kidney dise…

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.