Treatment of Post-radiation Xerostomia With Allogeneic Mesenchymal Stromal Stem Cells

The goal of this clinical trial is to learn about toxicity of allogeneic mesenchymal stromal stem cells (MSC, derived from umbilical cord tissue) treatment in head and neck cancer patients with for post-radiation xerostomia. The main question it aims to answer is the toxicity of intervention and the secondary objective is to assess preliminary efficacy. Participants will receive MSC in both parotid and submandibular glands: the toxicity of the intervention will be assessed using CTCAE v5.0 and its effect will be evaluated through measuring salivary flow and composition, radiologically (ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging), with scintigraphy and questionnaires. In the control group, salivary gland function (salivary flow and saliva composition) will be assessed for comparison with the intervention group.

The aim of the study is to assess the safety and preliminary efficacy of treating xerostomia with allogeneic mesenchymal stromal stem cells (MSC) derived from umbilical cord tissue. This is a non-randomized, single-center, non-blinded Phase I study. There will be 10 patients in the intervention group and 10 healthy volunteers in the control group. In the intervention group, patients who were successfully treated with (chemo)radiotherapy for oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma two or more years ago and have xerostomia of grade 2 or 3 according to CTCAE v.5.0 will receive MSC injections under ultrasound guidance into both parotid and submandibular glands (1 ml syringe with 50×106 MSC and 0.5 ml syringe with 25×106 MSC). Before the application, measurements of unstimulated and stimulated saliva flow, saliva composition, and blood parameters (complete blood count, biochemical tests, prothrombin time, international normalized ratio) will be performed. Magnetic resonance imaging of the glands (to assess changes in volume, signal, and diffusivity), ultrasound elastography (to assess gland consistency), salivary gland scintigraphy with pertechnetate (\[99mTc\]TcO4-, to evaluate radioisotope uptake in functioning parenchyma and excretory fraction of each gland) and scintigraphy with hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (\[99mTc\]Tc-HMPAO)-labeled MSC (to assess distribution, retention, and migration of MSC from the site of application) will also be conducted, along with a biopsy from one of the four glands (to evaluate morphological changes in glandular tissue). Patients will complete two xerostomia questionnaires and a quality of life questionnaire European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life H\&N35. On the 1st and 5th day after the intervention (day 0), patients will be examined, and toxicity will be assessed according to CTCAE v5.0. The effect of the intervention will be evaluated at 4 weeks and 4 months, repeating the tests performed before the intervention, with the exception of the biopsy and scintigraphy, which will be repeated only 4 months after the intervention (from the same gland as the first time). In the control group, healthy individuals will submit saliva samples to determine unstimulated and stimulated saliva flow and saliva composition (for comparison with the intervention group).

Eligibility Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:

* squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, Union for International Cancer Control TNM Classification of Malignant Tumors )8th ed.) clinical stage T1-2N+ or cT3-4cN0-3 M0, treated with curative intent radiotherapy (tumor dose 66-70 Gy, bilateral neck irradiation) with or without concurrent chemotherapy
* 2 years or more post-treatment without signs of locoregional recurrence or systemic metastasis
* non-smoker or former smoker (quit smoking ≥2 years ago)
* mean radiation dose \>26 Gy to each of the parotid glands and \>35 Gy to each of the submandibular glands
* xerostomia of grade 2 or 3, assessed according to the CTCAE v5.0 scale
* Clinically reduced salivary flow and hyposalivation (unstimulated whole saliva flow rate 0.05-0.20 ml/min)
* age between 18-75 years
* both sexes
* signed "Informed Consent Form" for participation in the study

Exclusion Criteria:

* newly diagnosed malignancy anywhere in the body within the past two years
* active smoker
* use of medications with potential to cause dry mouth (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, decongestants, bronchodilators, antihypertensives like beta-blockers and diuretics, antihistamines, hypnotic sedatives, opioids, and muscle relaxants)
* other salivary gland diseases (e.g., Sjögren's syndrome, scleroderma, sialolithiasis, etc.)
* patients on anticoagulant therapy that cannot be discontinued during the intervention
* pregnancy or planned pregnancy within the next two years
* breastfeeding
* active, uncontrolled infection or other medical (including psychiatric) conditions that, in the researchers' opinion, do not allow for the safe administration of the planned therapy and performance of the follow-up procedures
* known substance abuse or alcoholism