Clinical Trials Logo

Clinical Trial Summary

Treatment for head and neck cancer often results in significant swallowing problems because of reduced range of motion (ROM) of the larynx, tongue base, and pharyngeal walls. Our question is: Is swallowing therapy to improve ROM during swallowing maneuvers efficacious in patients with reduced ROM?


Clinical Trial Description

Patients with head and neck cancer who are treated with chemoradiation and/or surgical resection may exhibit a variety of swallowing difficulties due to reduced range of motion (ROM) resulting from absence or alteration of the structures involved in deglutition. Chemoradiation protocols have been receiving increased attention in the treatment of head and neck cancer. The primary focus of these regimens is disease control and organ sparing. Preservation of oropharyngeal anatomy, however, has not equated with preservation of function. Due to the severity and frequency of swallowing problems in this population, it is critical that the effectiveness of dysphagia (i.e. swallowing disorder) rehabilitation protocols on preservation and/or restoration of function be determined. In the absence of potential remediation, patients may reject organ preservation treatment protocols because of negative functional side effects. There have been a number of therapeutic exercises designed to improve swallowing that have been shown to have a positive effect on head and neck cancer patients who are dysphagic as a result of treatment with surgery and/or chemoradiation. The short- and long-term effectiveness of these exercises has not been defined. The purpose of this study is to compare the effectiveness of combined ROM and postural sensory therapy for swallowing dysfunction to postural sensory therapy alone. By maximizing the effectiveness of therapy, it is expected that improved swallowing function will translate into better quality of life through enjoyment of meals and improved nutrition and hydration so critical to the health and sense of well being of individuals recovering from head and neck cancer.

To be included, subjects must be between 21 and 80 years old and have undergone treatment for the head and neck cancer in the form of chemoradiation, and/or one of the following specific types of head and neck cancer surgery: supraglottic laryngectomy, anterior resection with primary or skin graft closure, anterior resection with distal or free flap closure, posterior resection with primary or skin graft closure, or posterior resection with distal or free flap. Potential subjects must have been diagnosed with Stage I-IV disease and also be available for twice-weekly swallowing therapy sessions. Furthermore, subjects must be available for 12 months while on study.

No subject will be included who has any history of other medical problems that may affect swallowing, speech, voice, neurological problems, gastroenterological problems, or other health problems as determined by the patient's physician and the investigators. Patients with prior treated cancer of the head and neck, or who received a total laryngectomy operation are also not eligible. ;


Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Open Label, Primary Purpose: Treatment


Related Conditions & MeSH terms


NCT number NCT00214305
Study type Interventional
Source University of Wisconsin, Madison
Contact
Status Withdrawn
Phase N/A
Start date August 2005

See also
  Status Clinical Trial Phase
Recruiting NCT05808920 - The RESCUE Study: Survival and Functional Outcomes Following Salvage Surgery for RESidual or reCurrent sqUamous cEll Carcinoma of the Head and Neck
Completed NCT02526017 - Study of Cabiralizumab in Combination With Nivolumab in Patients With Selected Advanced Cancers Phase 1
Active, not recruiting NCT05060432 - Study of EOS-448 With Standard of Care and/or Investigational Therapies in Participants With Advanced Solid Tumors Phase 1/Phase 2
Recruiting NCT03997643 - Preservation of Swallowing in Respected Oral Cavity Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Examining Radiation Volume Effects (PRESERVE): A Randomized Trial Phase 2
Active, not recruiting NCT03170960 - Study of Cabozantinib in Combination With Atezolizumab to Subjects With Locally Advanced or Metastatic Solid Tumors Phase 1/Phase 2
Recruiting NCT04700475 - Effect of Low Level Laser Therapy on Prevention of Radiotherapy Induced Xerostomia in Cancer Patients. N/A
Withdrawn NCT04058145 - AMD3100 Plus Pembrolizumab in Immune Checkpoint Blockade Refractory Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Phase 2
Completed NCT02572869 - Functional and Aesthetic Outcomes After Mandible Reconstruction With Fibula Osteomyocutaneous Free Flaps
Active, not recruiting NCT04474470 - A Study to Evaluate NT219 Alone and in Combination With ERBITUX® (Cetuximab) in Adults With Advanced Solid Tumors and Head and Neck Cancer Phase 1/Phase 2
Withdrawn NCT05073809 - Photoacoustic Imaging of Head and Neck Tumours
Active, not recruiting NCT04383210 - Study of Seribantumab in Adult Patients With NRG1 Gene Fusion Positive Advanced Solid Tumors Phase 2
Active, not recruiting NCT03651570 - Randomized Controlled Trial of a E-intervention to Help Patients Newly Diagnosed With Cancer Cope Better: Pilot Study N/A
Recruiting NCT04930432 - Study of MCLA-129, a Human Bispecific EGFR and cMet Antibody, in Patients With Advanced NSCLC and Other Solid Tumors Phase 1/Phase 2
Recruiting NCT06016699 - Immunological Function After Radiation With Either Proton or Photon Therapy
Terminated NCT03843554 - Commensal Oral Microbiota in Head and Neck Cancer N/A
Recruiting NCT05915572 - Mulligan Technique on Shoulder Dysfunction N/A
Completed NCT05897983 - Tens and Rocabado Exercises on TMJ Dysfunction N/A
Not yet recruiting NCT06289049 - Heavy Strength Training in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors Phase 2
Withdrawn NCT05263648 - Virtual Reality Software to Reduce Stress in Cancer Patients N/A
Withdrawn NCT03238638 - A Study of Epacadostat + Pembrolizumab in Head and Neck Cancer Patients, Who Failed Prior PD-1/PD-L1 Therapy Phase 2