Study Evaluating N-acetylcysteine to Prevent Radiotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are conducting a Phase 2 randomized controlled trial at Mansoura University Hospital to evaluate the effectiveness of N-acetylcysteine in preventing oral mucositis caused by radiotherapy in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. This study focuses on patients receiving curative radiotherapy of at least 50 Gy, with or without chemotherapy, aiming to reduce the severity of oral mucositis during treatment. Participants are divided into two groups: one receiving N-acetylcysteine along with the institutional standard care, which includes Benzydamine mouthwash, and the other receiving only the institutional standard care. N-acetylcysteine is a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drug that acts as a precursor to glutathione, the body's natural antioxidant. Treatments are administered throughout the radiotherapy period. During the 8-week study, patients will be monitored weekly to assess the occurrence and severity of oral mucositis using the World Health Organization scale. Researchers will also evaluate safety and treatment adherence. The study includes regular clinical evaluations and laboratory tests to monitor patients' health and response to the interventions.

Efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in Preventing Radiotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients.