Blood Tests and Questionnaires in Studying Adherence to Preventative Swallowing Exercises in Participants With Metastatic Head and Neck Cancer

Launched by M.D. ANDERSON CANCER CENTER · Jan 3, 2017

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking at how well people with metastatic head and neck cancer stick to their swallowing exercises after receiving radiation treatment. The study uses blood tests to check for certain proteins in the immune system, called cytokines, and questionnaires to understand why some people might not follow their exercise routines. By learning about these factors, doctors hope to find out how they can help patients better manage side effects and possibly reduce the risk of future health issues.

To be eligible for this trial, participants should be planning to receive radiation treatment for specific types of head and neck cancers, such as oropharyngeal or laryngeal cancers, and they should be at certain stages of their disease. Participants can expect to provide blood samples and answer questions about their exercise habits. It’s important to note that individuals with other types of cancer or previous treatments for head and neck cancer are not eligible for this study. This research aims to improve support for patients undergoing treatment and enhance their overall recovery experience.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Are dispositioned to receive radiation with curative intent for nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, laryngeal, or an unknown primary cancer with cervical metastases
• • Are stage II-IVb for non- human papillomavirus (HPV)- related oropharyngeal cancer
• • Have HPV- related oropharynx cancer that is T1, have nodal involvement with no distant metastasis or have HPV- related oropharynx cancer that is at least T2 with no distant metastasis
• • Are stage II-IVb for laryngeal cancer
• • Are stage I-IVb for hypopharyngeal
• • Are stage I-IVb for nasopharyngeal cancer
• • Have stage I-III unknown primary cancer with cervical
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Have other cancer diagnoses, except non-melanoma skin cancer
• • Had treatment for previous head and neck cancer or radiation to the head and neck
• • Have a history of previous head and neck surgery (excluding biopsy and/or tonsillectomy and/or tracheotomy)
• • Have a current oropharyngeal dysphagia unrelated to cancer diagnosis (e.g., dysphagia due to underlying neurogenic disorder)