Improving Therapeutic Outcomes in the Tongue Carcinoma Patient: Assessment of Adaptation Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Tongue Carcinoma Clinical Trial

Official title: Improving Therapeutic Outcomes in the Tongue Carcinoma Patient: Assessment of Adaptation Using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Diffusion Tensor Imaging

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The purpose of this study is to see how the brain re-learns to control the tongue in speaking and swallowing when either portions of the tongue have been removed, or when the tongue has been treated with radiation, in order to treat cancer. We hope the results of this study will help us to improve healing for patients who are being treated for cancer of the tongue.

When patients with cancer of the tongue are treated by removing parts of the tongue (surgery) or by destroying the cancer with radiation to the tongue, they have significant difficulty speaking and swallowing after such treatments. At this time, patients who have been treated for cancer of the tongue re-learn speaking and swallowing through exercises taught by a speech pathologist.

What is needed is information on how the brain re-learns to control speaking and swallowing so that we can help these patients re-learn faster after their treatments.

Clinical Trial Description

The purpose of this investigation is to determine cortical mechanisms of adaptation to surgical or radiation treatment to the tongue. This study will use a non-invasive imaging technique, Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI), to investigate cortical responses to partial glossectomy or radiation therapy for treatment of a tongue malignancy. Patients with Stage I-IV (AJCC) malignancies of the tongue who are treated with surgery and or radiation therapy will be imaged using fMRI pre-operatively and at approximately six months postoperatively.

Patterns of brain activity from the fMRI studies will be compared with matched healthy control subjects. The results of this investigation will provide needed information on both central and peripheral mechanisms of adaptation. ;

Study Design

Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Diagnostic

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Carcinoma
• Tongue Carcinoma
• Tongue Neoplasms

• NCT number: NCT00594724
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: November 2002
• Completion date: June 2014