Study of Blood Protein SAA1 to Predict Mouth Sores from Radiotherapy in Nasopharyngeal and Head and Neck Cancer

What this Trial Is About

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma SCC is a common cancer worldwide, causing many new cases and deaths each year. Radiotherapy is important to control the recurrence of these tumors, but it often causes acute inflammation such as radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis RIOM, which can affect patients quality of life and treatment effectiveness. Researchers are studying plasma levels of Serum amyloid A1 SAA1, a protein linked to inflammation, to see if it can help predict the onset and severity of RIOM early in patients receiving radiotherapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma or other head and neck tumors. This is a prospective, multicenter, observational study where participants with nasopharyngeal carcinoma or head and neck tumors who need radiotherapy will be followed. Plasma SAA1 levels will be measured to explore their ability to predict radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis. The study will track the development, start time, duration, and severity of oral mucositis along with other side effects of radiotherapy and tumor response over a period of up to three years. Participants will be monitored throughout radiotherapy and afterward for up to three years to assess different grades of oral mucositis and other side effects. The study will collect clinical data, observe tumor response, and evaluate plasma SAA1 levels as a biomarker. This long-term observation aims to improve early screening and prevention strategies for radiotherapy-induced oral mucositis, enhancing patient care during and after radiotherapy.

Plasma SAA1 Levels in Predicting Response to Radiotherapy-induced Oral Mucositis