Stem cells offer hope for cancer survivors with chronic dry mouth

NCT ID NCT07431645

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • Institute of Oncology Ljubljana

    Ljubljana, 1000, Slovenia