Prosthesis Guided Speech Rehabilitation of T1/T2 Cancers of the Tongue

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF MICHIGAN · Oct 20, 2015

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a device called a palatal augmentation prosthesis (PAP) to help patients with early-stage tongue cancer (T1 or T2) improve their speech and swallowing after surgery. The researchers want to see if using this device can make a significant difference for patients who have had part of their tongue removed due to cancer. The trial is important because it aims to provide solid evidence about the benefits of this device, which isn't usually given to patients with smaller tongue cancers.

To be eligible for this study, participants must be newly diagnosed with T1 or T2 tongue cancer. Unfortunately, patients who have experienced a recurrence of their cancer, who have had radiation therapy to the head and neck in the past, or who do not have enough teeth to support the prosthesis cannot participate. If someone qualifies and joins the study, they can expect to receive the PAP and be part of a research effort that could lead to better treatment options for speech and swallowing challenges faced by many patients after oral cancer surgery.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with a new diagnosis of a T1/T2 tongue cancer
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with recurrent disease
• • Patients with a history of prior head and neck radiation therapy
• • Patients who lack adequate maxillary dentition to support a palatal augmentation prosthesis