Scheduling radiotherapy for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma in the corresponding time window can reduce radiation‐induced oral mucositis: A randomized, prospective study

Abstract Background To explore a new method to reduce radiation‐induced oral mucositis by scheduling radiotherapy for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in the corresponding time window of the cycle of oral mucosal cells. Methods Eighty‐two NPC patients were randomly divided into a day group (n = 41) and a night group (n = 41). The radiotherapy was scheduled at noon (11:30–15:30) for the day group, while at night (19:00–23:00) for the night group. Oral mucositis and oral pain were recorded in both groups after each radiotherapy fraction. The short‐term efficacy of primary tumor regression, weight loss, and bone marrow suppression was recorded. Results The incidence of Grade 2 oral mucositis was 87.8% (36/41) and 63.4% (26/41) in the night group and day group, respectively (p = 0.010). The incidence of Grade 3 oral mucositis was 65.9% (27/41) and 22.0% (9/41) in the night group and day group, respectively (p