Could a common herpes drug ease cancer treatment's painful mouth sores?

NCT ID NCT07363031

ENROLLING_BY_INVITATION Symptom relief Sponsor: Instituto Oncoclinicas Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether the antiviral drug valacyclovir can prevent or reduce painful mouth sores (oral mucositis) in adults receiving radiotherapy for head and neck cancer. Researchers will give either valacyclovir or a placebo to 84 participants during their radiation treatment. They will monitor mouth sores, pain, and herpesvirus activity to see if the drug helps.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Valacyclovir
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple antiviral pill to prevent severe mouth sores during head and neck cancer radiotherapy.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-phase trial. The benefit may be small or absent, and valacyclovir can cause side effects like nausea or headache.

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 Head and Neck Neoplasms stomatitis prevention target

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HEAD AND NECK CANCER (H&N) ORAL MUCOSITIS RADIOTHERAPY SIDE EFFECTS

Contacts and locations

Locations

Instituto Oncoclinicas

Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, 22250-905, Brazil

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