Efficacy of N-acetylcysteine in Preventing Radiotherapy-Induced Oral Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients.

This study tests whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC) — an antioxidant supplement — can prevent or reduce mouth sores (oral mucositis) caused by radiation therapy in head and neck cancer patients. Painful mouth sores are a common and debilitating side effect of radiation treatment. **You may be eligible if...** - You are 18 or older with a confirmed diagnosis of squamous cell carcinoma of the head or neck - You are scheduled to receive curative radiation therapy (at least 50 Gy), with or without chemotherapy - You have healthy mouth tissue at the start of the study - Your blood counts (hemoglobin, platelets, and white cells) are adequate - Your physical condition is ECOG 2 or better **You may NOT be eligible if...** - You have previously received chemotherapy or radiation - You currently have an active systemic infection - You are pregnant or breastfeeding - You are already taking systemic pain medications - You have significant liver or kidney disease Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.