Pilocarpine in Preventing Mucositis and Dry Mouth in Patients Receiving Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2002-10-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
RATIONALE: Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays to damage tumor cells. Drugs such as
pilocarpine may protect normal cells from the side effects of radiation therapy. It is not
yet known if pilocarpine may be effective in preventing mucositis and dry mouth in patients
receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
PURPOSE: Randomized, double-blinded, phase III trial to study the effectiveness of
pilocarpine in preventing mucositis and dry mouth in patients receiving radiation therapy for
head and neck cancer.