This triple-blinded, randomized controlled clinical trial investigates the effectiveness of L-arginine and L-glutamine oral suspensions in managing radiation-induced oral mucositis (RIOM) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing radiotherapy. A total of 69 patients are randomly assigned to three groups: L-arginine + maltodextrin, glutamine + maltodextrin, or maltodextrin alone (control). The interventions are administered as a swish-and-swallow solution three times daily from the second to seventh week of radiotherapy. Key outcomes assessed include oral mucositis severity (WHO scale), pain intensity (VAS), body mass index (BMI), oral health-related quality of life (OHIP-14), and salivary epidermal growth factor (EGF) levels. The study aims to determine whether L-arginine offers superior mucosal healing and symptom relief compared to glutamine or placebo.
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Change in salivary IL-6 levels during radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis
Timeframe: From week 2 of radiotherapy (baseline) , week 5 of radiotherapy (peak mucositis phase, week 7 of RT