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Recruiting Phase 2 NCT07278557

NCT07278557 Sparing Parotid Ducts Via MRI Sialography for Reduced Patient-Reported Xerostomia

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Clinical Trial Summary
NCT ID NCT07278557
Status Recruiting
Phase Phase 2
Sponsor UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center
Condition Head and Neck Cancer
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment 98 participants
Start Date 2026-01-28
Primary Completion 2030-02

Eligibility & Interventions

Sex All sexes
Min Age 18 Years
Max Age N/A
Study Type INTERVENTIONAL
Interventions
MRI sialographyParotid Duct Sparing Radiation Therapy PlanningParotid Sparing Radiation Therapy Planning

Eligibility Fast-Check

Enter your details for a quick preliminary check. This does not replace medical advice.

What to Expect as a Participant

You will actively receive the study intervention — which may be a drug, biologic, device, or procedure.

In Phase 2, researchers evaluate early signs of effectiveness. You may be randomized to receive the active treatment or a comparator. Monitoring continues closely.

This trial targets 98 participants in total. It began in 2026-01-28 with a primary completion date of 2030-02.

⚠ This information is for research awareness only. Always consult your physician before joining any clinical trial. Participation is voluntary and you may withdraw at any time.

Brief Summary

Radiation-induced xerostomia (dry mouth) is one of the most common and severe side effects for patients receiving radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. New approaches are needed to reduce this side effect and improve patients' quality of life after treatment. This is a Phase II, single-center, double-masked, parallel-arm, randomized controlled trial. It compares MRI-guided parotid ductal sparing to the standard approach of mean parotid gland sparing, focusing on patient-reported dry mouth outcomes in individuals receiving definitive radiotherapy for oropharyngeal cancer.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria: To participate in this study a subject must meet all of the eligibility criteria outlined below. Eligibility must be maintained for the subject to be considered eligible for ongoing trial participation. * Provide written informed consent to participate in the study and HIPAA authorization for release of personal health information. * Able to comply with study procedures based on the judgment of the clinical investigator. * Male or female, aged ≥ 18 years at the time of consent. * Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0-2 at the time of consent. * Women of reproductive potential must use highly effective contraception. * T0-4, N0-3, M0 stage cancer of the oropharynx (American Joint Committee on Cancer Staging System 8th edition) planned for definitive radiotherapy +/- chemotherapy. * No contraindications for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Exclusion Criteria: An individual who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation In this study: * Patients with Sjogren's disease or baseline xerostomia. * Patients with lesions involving the salivary glands on diagnostic imaging * Patients with an allergy to lemon juice * Prior lifetime history of radiation therapy to the head and neck * Current pregnancy or lactation.

Contact & Investigator

Central Contact

Tuvara King

✉ tjking@med.unc.edu

📞 (984) 974-0000

Principal Investigator

David Fried, PhD

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR

UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join the NCT07278557 clinical trial?

This trial is open to participants of all sexes, aged 18 Years or older, studying Head and Neck Cancer. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria are listed in the Eligibility Criteria section. Always confirm your eligibility with the research team before applying.

What phase is the NCT07278557 trial and what does that mean for participants?

Phase 2 trials evaluate whether the treatment shows signs of effectiveness while continuing to monitor safety. More participants are enrolled than in Phase 1 to help refine the treatment protocol.

Is NCT07278557 currently recruiting?

Yes, NCT07278557 is actively recruiting participants. Contact the research team at tjking@med.unc.edu for enrollment information.

Where is the NCT07278557 trial being conducted?

This trial is being conducted at Chapel Hill, United States.

Who is sponsoring the NCT07278557 clinical trial?

NCT07278557 is sponsored by UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. The principal investigator is David Fried, PhD at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. The trial plans to enroll 98 participants.

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ClinicalMetric — Independent clinical trial intelligence platform. Not affiliated with NIH, ClinicalTrials.gov, the U.S. FDA, or any pharmaceutical company, hospital, or clinical research organization. Trial data is sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Do not make any treatment, enrollment, or health decisions based solely on information found here — always consult a qualified healthcare professional. Full Disclaimer  ·  Last Reviewed: April 2026  ·  Data Methodology