Preventive Physical Activity Intervention in Head and Neck Cancer

Launched by SAHLGRENSKA UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL · Jun 20, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how a specific physical activity program can help patients with head and neck cancer during their treatment. Patients who have tumors in the oropharynx, larynx, or hypopharynx and are about to start radiotherapy (sometimes with chemotherapy) are invited to participate. They will be divided into two groups: one group will follow a preventive exercise program before and during their treatment, while the other group will not follow any specific exercise routine. All participants will have regular weekly check-ins with a speech language pathologist or a physical therapist to support their health and recovery.

To be eligible for this trial, patients need to be diagnosed with head and neck cancer and scheduled for radiotherapy aimed at curing their cancer. However, those who have had surgery for their cancer, previous treatments for head and neck cancer, or certain medical conditions that limit their ability to exercise cannot participate. This trial aims to see if the exercise program can improve physical strength and overall quality of life during and after cancer treatment, offering hope for better recovery outcomes.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Head and neck cancer (tumors of the oropharynx, pharynx, hypopharynx and larynx)
• • Receiving radiohterapy (+/- chemotherapy) with curative intent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Surgery due to head and neck cancer
• • Previous treatment for head and neck cancer
• • Tracheostomized patients
• • Inability to perform exercise intervention
• • Inability to perform part of 6-minute walking test
• • Inability to independently fill out questionnaires in Swedish
• • Previous neurologic or neuromuscular disease