
"I was delighted to take part in a clinical trial as it has the potential to really help others in the future.”
Please note - this trial is no longer recruiting patients. We hope to add results when they are available.
This is the standard treatment.
In this study, doctors are looking at a new treatment for oral mucositis called low level laser therapy.
Doctors shine a weak laser light on the lining of the mouth. They think the low level laser therapy can reduce the pain during and after radiotherapy. And help heal the mouth after treatment.
Everyone taking part in this study has 1 of the following:
The main aim of this trial is to see if laser therapy and standard treatment is better than the standard treatment alone for oral mucositis.
All of the following must also apply. You:
Neither you nor your doctor are able to decide which group you are in. And neither you nor your doctor will know which treatment you are having. This is a
Standard treatment
You have painkillers, mouth washes and special coating gels. Your doctor and nurse will tell you when and how to use them.
Questionnaires
You complete questionnaires at set times during this study. The questionnaires ask about how you feel and if you have pain or difficulty swallowing.
You complete a questionnaire every week for 6 weeks, and then after:
There are no extra hospitals visits as part of this study. You meet the study team and have the laser therapy when you go to hospital for your planned treatment.
After radiotherapy, your doctor will see you regularly to check how you are. This is the follow up. You have the swallowing test and complete questionnaires during the follow up appointments.
The study team don’t think you will have any side effects from taking part in this study.
You may have eye problems if the laser therapy is shone in your eyes. But this risk is very small and you wear special glasses to protect your eyes.
You might have side effects from radiotherapy. The team will tell you about all the possible side effects before you have treatment.
We have information about the possible side effects of head and neck radiotherapy.
Please note: In order to join a trial you will need to discuss it with your doctor, unless otherwise specified.
Mr Michael Nugent
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
NIHR Health Technology Assessment (HTA) programme
Newcastle Clinical Trials Unit (Newcastle University)
Freephone 0808 800 4040
"I was delighted to take part in a clinical trial as it has the potential to really help others in the future.”