Stem cells offer hope for cancer survivors with chronic dry mouth

NCT ID NCT07431645

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Institute of Oncology Ljubljana Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This early study tested whether stem cells from donated umbilical cord tissue could help people with chronic dry mouth after radiation for head and neck cancer. Ten adults received a single injection of these stem cells and were monitored for safety and any improvement in saliva production. The goal is to see if this approach is safe enough to study further as a possible treatment for radiation damage.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (stem cells)
What this could lead to: If this works, it could point toward a regenerative treatment for radiation-induced dry mouth, improving quality of life for head and neck cancer survivors.
What could go wrong: This is a very early, small pilot study with only 10 participants and no control group. The treatment may not prove effective or safe in larger trials, and stem cell therapies carry unknown long-term risks.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

head and neck cancer Head and Neck Neoplasms Xerostomia

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HEAD AND NECK CANCER RADIATION-INDUCED XEROSTOMIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

Institute of Oncology Ljubljana

Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia

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