Effect of Arginine- and Glutamine-based Oral Formulations on Salivary Biomarkers and Clinical Sev… (NCT07020754) | Clinical Trial Compass
CompletedPhase 2
Effect of Arginine- and Glutamine-based Oral Formulations on Salivary Biomarkers and Clinical Severity of Radiation-induced Oral Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Egypt84 participantsStarted 2025-04-01
Plain-language summary
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.
Who can participate
Age range
20 Years – 70 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:
* Age between 20 and 70 years
Diagnosed with head and neck cancer (HNC) and undergoing radiotherapy (RT)
Development of oral mucositis during the 2nd to 3rd week of RT
Receiving a minimum radiation dose of 50 Gy to the oral cavity
Undergoing intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) with three-dimensional conformal techniques after complete tumor resection
Ability and willingness to provide informed consent
Able to comply with study procedures and follow-up assessments
Exclusion Criteria:
* History of prior radiotherapy
Diagnosed with diabetes mellitus
Presence of salivary gland tumors
Renal or hepatic insufficiency
Sepsis or any active systemic infection
Distant metastases
Any condition that may interfere with oral sample collection or affect EGF levels (e.g., autoimmune oral disease)
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
1
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