Ketamine Hydrochloride in Reducing Pain in Patients With Mucositis Undergoing Chemoradiation or Radiation Therapy For Head and Neck Cancer

Inclusion Criteria

• Subjects diagnosed with head and neck tumors (any histology) receiving ongoing chemoradiation or radiation therapy
• Subjects with mucositis pain refractory to topical management, defined as any self-reported pain score of >= 2 in the 24 hours prior to enrollment despite use of topical agents as prescribed
• Ability to understand and willingness to consent and to sign consent form

Exclusion Criteria

• Active substance abuse at time of registration (alcohol, drugs, non-prescription use of controlled substances)
• Subjects with history of allergic reactions to ketamine
• Persistent oral bleeding: > 15 mL (estimated) per day
• Pregnancy or breast feeding