Swallowing Intervention Package for Head & Neck Cancer Patients
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Development and preliminary testing of a tailored pre-treatment swallowing intervention package for patients with head and neck cancer.
IRAS ID
150312
Contact name
Stuart Taylor
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Homerton University Hospital
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
150312, IRAS; Z6364106/2014/61, UCL Data protection reference; 150312/603357/20/396, NIHR Portfolio application number
Research summary
Individuals diagnosed with head and neck cancer often experience swallowing problems as a result of the tumour in the mouth or throat. The treatments for this cancer (surgery or radiotherapy) cause further predictable problems in eating, drinking and swallowing. These problems may last a long time after treatment and often never return to normal function.
The purpose of this research is to devise and conduct preliminary testing of a pre-treatment swallowing intervention package for patients with head and neck cancer. Ultimately the research addresses the question: Does a tailored pre-treatment swallowing intervention package (SIP) enhance post treatment swallowing outcomes in patients treated for head and neck cancer? The package will be devised with input from qualitative interviews from patients who have completed treatment for head and neck cancer and from theory and literature reviews. It will include a swallowing assessment, targeted swallowing exercises, tailored information and advice and relevant behavioural techniques to promote adherence. This is a non invasive behaviour change intervention aimed at helping patients get into the habit of regular swallowing exercises and to optimise their swallowing function before their cancer treatment begins. The critical window for physiological recovery after treatment will be better utilised as patients will already be familiar with the swallowing rehabilitation process. This can be useful in preventing muscle atrophy and post radiotherapy stiffening of tissues in the throat.
A small scale study of the SIP is planned in patients with advanced oral and oropharyngeal cancer receiving treatment at UCLH. This preliminary feasibility study (32 patients randomised) will provide the salient information for a definitive trial comparing SIP with current usual care.REC name
London - South East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
14/LO/1152
Date of REC Opinion
31 Jul 2014
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion