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A Pilot Study of ALTENS in Improving Dysphagia Induced by IMRT for Head and Neck Cancers

Head and Neck Cancer Clinical Trial

Official title:
Effectiveness of Acupuncture-like Transcutaneous Nerve Stimulation (ALTENS) in Improving Dysphagia and Associated Symptoms of Chemotherapy and/or Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) for Head and Neck Cancers: A Pilot Study

Clinical Trial Summary

Study hypothesis: ALTENS techniques, administered within the first 3 months after radiation completion, can improve radiation-induced dysphagia and associated symptoms in head and neck cancer patients. This beneficial effect is mediated by the reduction of chronic inflammatory response of swallowing musculature to radiation, consequently a reduction in muscle fibrosis.

Primary study objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of ALTENS in relieving radiation-induced dysphagia. Eating Assessment Tool (EAT-10) scores will be used for this primary study endpoint.

Clinical Trial Description

Difficulty in swallowing is a concerning symptom after radiation treatment for some types of head and neck cancers. Swallowing becomes difficult when radiation damage induces inflammation (with swelling and pain) in the inner covering tissues of the throat and muscles that involve in the swallowing process. Currently, supportive measures are used to manage this symptom while waiting for the tissue damages to heal. In some patients, the inflamed muscles develop scar tissues causing long-term swallowing difficulty and narrowing of the swallowing passage. Needle acupuncture may help to reduce tissue inflammation and may lessen the severity of swallowing difficulty. However, needle puncture is often not desired by patients. Acupuncture-like transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (ALTENS) is like acupuncture treatment, but the acupuncture points are stimulated with mild electrical stimulation without needles, simplifying treatment delivery. This study is to examine if a pre-selected set of acupuncture points treated using ALTENS can reduce swallowing difficulty. There will be a total of 12 treatments given over 6 to 8 weeks. Changes in severity of swallowing difficult after treatment will be assessed using 2 subjective assessment tools. ;

Study Design

Endpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Supportive Care

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

Clinical Trial Details
NCT number NCT01697891
Study type Interventional
Source McMaster University
Contact
Status Enrolling by invitation
Phase Phase 1/Phase 2
Start date October 2012
Completion date December 2013
View Details
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