Stem cell shot aims to cure radiation dry mouth

NCT ID NCT04489732

Completed Symptom relief Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Madison Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 21, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This early study tested whether injecting a patient's own stem cells into the saliva gland could safely help dry mouth caused by radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. Six participants received one injection, with a second offered later. The main goal was to check for side effects like pain or serious complications.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: mesenchymal stromal cells (stem cells from the patient's own bone marrow)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a treatment for chronic dry mouth after radiation therapy.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small pilot study with only 6 participants, so results may not apply widely. The main risk is pain or serious side effects from the injection.

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.

head and neck cancer

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

XEROSTOMIA FOLLOWING RADIOTHERAPY

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Wisconsin

Madison, Wisconsin, 53705, United States

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