Exercise Therapy in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)

Launched by OUR LADY OF THE LAKE HOSPITAL · Feb 17, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying the effects of a home-based exercise program using a device called Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) who are undergoing radiation treatment. The main goal is to find out if this exercise program can help patients gain muscle strength and improve their overall health compared to those who do not participate in the exercise regimen. Participants in the exercise group will use the TENS unit while exercising for 30 minutes, three times a week, throughout their cancer treatment. Researchers will check in with participants regularly and will take blood samples at the start of treatment and about four weeks after treatment ends to study the immune response.

To be eligible for this trial, participants must be adults aged 18 or older, have a diagnosis of HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, and be receiving treatment at the OLOL Head and Neck Center. Unfortunately, individuals with HPV-positive HNSCC or those who have a pacemaker or other electronic device are not eligible. This trial is not yet recruiting, but it aims to provide valuable information on how exercise may support better health outcomes for patients during cancer treatment.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adult patients (18 years or older)
• • Diagnosed with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
• • HPV negative
• • Undergoing treatment at OLOL H\&N Center
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Any subject less than 18 years of age.
• • Subjects who have HPV positive HNSCC
• • Subjects who have a pacemaker or electronic implant