Clinical Impact of Respiratory-Swallow Training on Refractory Dysphagia in Oropharyngeal Head and Neck Cancer
Completed · Not applicable
Conditions studied: Head and Neck Cancer, Dysphagia
In brief
Veterans following treatment of head and neck cancer can be left with lasting swallowing impairment that may require diet alterations, need for feeding tubes, and risk of pneumonia. The investigators' previous trial tested a new swallowing treatment approach to target respiratory-swallow coordination. The results revealed improvements in respiratory-swallow coordination and swallowing function. The goal of this study is to determine the impact and durability of respiratory-swallow training (RST) on clinical outcomes necessary for eating, drinking, health, and quality-of-life in Veterans with swallowing impairment following treatment for head and neck cancer. A total of 50 participants will be recruited with a goal of 40 randomly assigned to immediate RST or delayed RST.
Key facts
- Study ID
- NCT03377270
- Run by
- VA Office of Research and Development
- People needed
- 49
- Starts
- 2018-10-01
- Expected to finish
- 2023-12-31
- Last updated by the study team
- 2025-05-06
Who can join
Age: 21 and older. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.
You may qualify if…
- Veteran and non Veterans
- have undergone treatment for a primary diagnosis of head and neck cancer (oral cavity, oropharyngeal, and hypopharyngeal)
- are 21 years of age
- 6 months post head and neck cancer treatment
- 6 months post-traditional swallowing treatment with continued dysphagia
- English speaking
- pass a cognitive screening (score 26 on the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA)
- do not present with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) based on pulmonary function testing (PFT)
- drink less than 2 alcoholic beverages per day
You may not qualify if…
- if they have known allergy or dietary restriction for contrast materials or liquids used during the MBSS or training
- currently drinking greater than two drinks per day
- severe COPD
- are unable to swallow one liquid consistency without the use of a compensatory strategy or swallow maneuver without aspiration
- history of aspiration pneumonia within the past 12 months
Where it is running
- Northwestern University — Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL — Hines, Illinois, United States
Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov
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