Nasal Saline Irrigation After Radiation Therapy for Oropharyngeal Cancer

Nasal Saline Irrigation After Radiation Therapy for Oropharyngeal Cancer: A Pilot Study

The purpose of this study is to learn whether nasal saline irrigation is beneficial to patients undergoing radiation therapy for oropharyngeal cancer.

In this study, subjects are randomized to one of two study arms. They are either randomized to receive nasal saline irrigation treatment (treatment group) or not to receive any nasal irrigation treatment (control group). Subjects randomized to the treatment group will be provided with saline packets to mix with water. All study subjects will be asked to complete questionnaires during the study. If a subject completes all study related activities, their total length of participation in the study will last about 2 months.

Inclusion Criteria:

• All patients seen in the KUMC Ear, Nose and Throat clinic with oropharyngeal cancer that have undergone radiation therapy as the primary treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients that are at high risk for infection secondary to nasal irrigation
• Patients with autoimmune disease or immune deficiency