SALI-10 Probiotic to Reduce Osteoradionecrosis and Dental Toxicity Following Radiation Therapy for Head and Neck Cancer

This Phase III randomized controlled trial will evaluate whether long-term use of the oral probiotic Streptococcus salivarius strain SALI-10 (SALI-10) can reduce the risk of radiation-related major adverse dental events (MADE) in patients with head and neck cancer receiving definitive or postoperative radiation therapy. MADE is defined as tooth failure and/or grade 2 or higher jaw osteoradionecrosis. SALI-10 is a dual immunomodulatory and antimicrobial probiotic designed to colonize the oral cavity, promote a balanced oral microbiome, and help prevent the microbial dysbiosis and inflammation that commonly occur following radiation therapy. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either standard of care alone or standard of care plus SALI-10 probiotic lozenges. In addition to evaluating the effect of SALI-10 on dental and jaw complications, the study will assess changes in the oral microbiome and oral inflammatory load (OIL). Diagnostic imaging and dental imaging will also be analyzed to identify potential biomarkers associated with treatment response, toxicity, and the risk of radiation-induced dental complications. The hypothesis of this study is that the long-term use of SALI-10 for HNC patients receiving definitive or post-operative RT will decrease the risk of radiation-induced major adverse dental events.