Needles vs. dry mouth: acupuncture trial offers hope for cancer patients

This study is testing whether acupuncture can prevent severe dry mouth, a common and painful side effect, in people receiving radiation treatment for head and neck cancer. About 435 participants will be randomly assigned to receive one of two different acupuncture approaches or standard care without acupuncture during their radiation therapy. Researchers will measure dry mouth symptoms and quality of life for over a year to see if acupuncture makes a meaningful difference.