3D-Printed mouth guards could ease radiation side effects for cancer patients
NCT ID NCT04870762
First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether custom 3D-printed oral stents can reduce mouth sores in head and neck cancer patients receiving radiation therapy. The stents are made from a mold of the patient's mouth and cover teeth and gums during treatment. Researchers will compare sore rates and patient-reported symptoms between those who use the stent and those who receive standard care alone.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- customized 3D-printed oral stent
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could provide a simple, non-drug way to reduce painful mouth sores during radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
- What could go wrong
- This is a mid-stage trial with only 119 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The stent may not fit all patients or significantly reduce sores compared to standard care.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
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Banner Health/Banner Research
RECRUITINGPhoenix, Arizona, 85234, United States
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Baptist MD Anderson Cancer Center
RECRUITINGJacksonville, Florida, 32207, United States
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Community MD Anderson Cancer Center East
RECRUITINGIndianapolis, Indiana, 46219, United States
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Community MD Anderson Cancer Center North
RECRUITINGIndianapolis, Indiana, 46250, United States
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Community MD Anderson Cancer Center South
RECRUITINGIndianapolis, Indiana, 46227, United States
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Cooper Hospital University Medical Center
RECRUITINGCamden, New Jersey, 08103, United States
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M D Anderson Cancer Center
RECRUITINGHouston, Texas, 77030, United States
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