NCT07531563

Protein Supplementation for Radiation- Induced Oral Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Receiving Radiotherapy

Effect of Oral Protein Hydrolysate Supplementation on Radiation-Induced Severe Oral Mucositis and Prealbumin Levels in Patients With Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

• Status: Not Yet Recruiting
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 504 (estimated)
• Sponsor: Cancer Institute and Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 75 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This clinical trial aims to evaluate whether oral supplementation with a hydrolyzed whey protein formula ("TeYiShu") can reduce the incidence of severe radiation-induced oral mucositis and improve prealbumin levels in patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The study will compare the protein supplement to an isocaloric placebo without protein, maintaining equal caloric intake across groups. Participants will receive either the protein supplement or placebo daily throughout the course of radiotherapy. The primary outcomes are the incidence of grade ≥3 oral mucositis, assessed using the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) Acute Radiation Morbidity Scoring Criteria, and changes in serum prealbumin levels. Secondary outcomes include the time to onset and resolution of mucositis, nutritional status changes, adverse events, and quality of life measured using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Head and Neck Cancer Module (EORTC QLQ-H\&N35).

Detailed description

This study is a randomized, controlled clinical trial designed to evaluate the effect of oral hydrolyzed whey protein supplementation on radiation-induced oral mucositis and nutritional status in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) receiving radiotherapy. Participants will be assigned to receive either a hydrolyzed whey protein formula ("TeYiShu") or an isocaloric placebo without protein during the course of radiotherapy, in addition to standard nutritional counseling and baseline nutrition support. The primary objectives are to determine whether protein supplementation reduces the incidence of Grade 3 or higher radiation-induced oral mucositis, assessed according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) Acute Radiation Morbidity Scoring Criteria, and improves serum prealbumin levels from baseline to the end of radiotherapy. Secondary objectives include evaluation of time to onset and resolution of oral mucositis, changes in body weight and other indicators of nutritional status, adverse events, and changes in quality of life assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30) and the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Head and Neck Cancer Module (EORTC QLQ-H\&N35). The study aims to clarify whether high-protein oral nutritional supplementation can improve treatment tolerance and supportive care outcomes in patients undergoing radiotherapy for head and neck cancer.

Conditions

• Head & Neck Cancer

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Hydrolyzed Whey Protein Oral Supplement	A liquid oral supplement containing hydrolyzed whey protein, administered daily during the entire course of radiotherapy. Each 200mL bottle provides approximately 24g of protein. The supplement is given in addition to standard nutritional counseling and baseline dietary support. The aim is to achieve a total protein intake of 2.0 ± 0.2 g/kg/day, in accordance with cancer nutrition guidelines. This intervention is designed to evaluate whether high-dose protein supplementation reduces the incidence and severity of radiation-induced oral mucositis and improves serum prealbumin levels in head and neck cancer patients.
DIETARY_SUPPLEMENT	Control	An isocaloric placebo oral supplement that matches the protein supplement in appearance, taste, volume (200mL), and frequency of administration. The placebo contains no protein or amino acids and provides equivalent caloric content through carbohydrates. It is administered daily throughout the course of radiotherapy, alongside standard nutritional counseling and baseline dietary support (20-25 kcal/kg/day and 1-1.2 g protein/kg/day). This intervention is used to control for the effects of additional caloric intake, isolating the impact of supplemental protein on clinical outcomes.

Timeline

• Start date: 2026-07-01
• Primary completion: 2027-07-31
• Completion: 2027-12-31
• First posted: 2026-04-15
• Last updated: 2026-04-15