A comparison of artificial saliva and chewing gum in the management of xerostomia in patients with advanced cancer.
A N Davies
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10858827Actively Recruiting
Phase Not Applicable
Age: 18Years +
All Genders
ID06465628
Effect of Self-administered Acupressure for Improving Xerostomia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Led by The University of Hong Kong · Updated on 2025-05-28
126
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
12 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating the effects of self-administered acupressure on xerostomia, or dry mouth, in patients with head and neck cancer. This randomized controlled trial aims to compare acupressure with oral health education to see which better relieves dry mouth symptoms. The study also looks at quality of life, symptom severity, patient expectations of acupressure, and how acceptable this therapy is for patients. Xerostomia is common and often underrecognized among these patients, usually caused by radiation and chemotherapy treatments affecting salivary glands.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Acupressure on Xerostomia in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Who Can Participate
Age: 18Years +
All Genders
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 years or older
- Able to give informed consent
- Diagnosed with head and neck cancer, including oral, nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, laryngeal, sinus, or salivary gland cancers
- Completed radiation therapy or chemoradiotherapy at least 2 weeks prior
- Complains of xerostomia after treatment
- Able to communicate in Cantonese or Mandarin
You will not qualify if you...
- History of xerostomia before head and neck cancer treatment, such as Sj�f6gren Syndrome
- Received acupressure or acupuncture in the last 3 months
- Contraindications to acupressure, including blood disorders like leukemia, pregnancy, lactating, limb deformities, infections, or injuries at acupoints
- Use of medications or alternative substances for xerostomia on a fixed dose in the past month is allowed without exclusion
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
1
2
3
Your Study Journey
Screening
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Training and Initial Education
Duration - First week
Participants receive a 90-minute training session to learn self-administered acupressure or attend a 90-minute oral care education session focused on xerostomia management.
1 to 2 visits including a follow-up session in the second week (in-person or remote)
Treatment
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants perform self-administered acupressure twice daily or practice general oral care as instructed for managing xerostomia.
Twice-weekly reminders throughout the 12 weeks; no required visits
Follow-up
Duration - Up to 24 weeks from baseline
Participants complete assessments to evaluate xerostomia symptoms, saliva flow, quality of life, symptom severity, acceptability, and acupressure expectancy after the treatment period.
Visits at 4, 12, and 24 weeks (in-person or remote)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Queen Mary Hospital
Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 000000
Actively Recruiting
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Research Team
D
Denise Cheung, PhD
X
Xueyan Cheng, Master
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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S A Bhide, A B Miah, K J Harrington...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19833490Radiation-induced xerostomia in patients with head and neck cancer: pathogenesis, impact on quality of life, and management.
Mark S Chambers, Adam S Garden, Merrill S Kies...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15350026