Active clinical trials for "Head and Neck Neoplasms"

The side effects following post surgical neck dissection treatment for tumours in the head and neck (HN) region are weakness of the shoulder and neck muscles, numbness and reduced sensation around the neck and shoulder region and a general impact on the participant's overall fitness. While survival has been emphasized as an important outcome, recovery of treatment-related morbidity and return to pre-treatment quality of life (QOL) for participants after cancer treatment is equally important. Sternocleidomastoid (SCM) muscle functions to turn the head to the left or right. In particular while performing neck dissections, SCM dissection is a common step. The side effects of SCM dissection is a stiff neck or reduced neck movements. To objectively measure the outcome of the SCM muscle function, it is necessary to determine what is the normal range of motion in healthy subjects turning to the left and right to look at objects in a specific location or Point-of gaze (POG) procedure, as well as the Electromyography (EMG) of the SCM during the movement. In this normative study, 20 healthy subjects will be recruited to perform this POG assessment as well as EMG and Elastography (ETG) testing of the SCM on the left and right side. Outcome measures will include neck range of motion for flexion, side flexion and rotation EMG activation patterns for SCM 2) muscle thickness & stiffness (as determined by grey scale ultrasound (US) and ETG, respectively) of the SCM The investigators hypothesize that there will not be any significant differences of POG, EMG and ETG measurements between the left and right side of the SCM in healthy subjects.

Cancer patients are at high risk for undernutrition. A study with head and neck cancer patients showed that 50% suffered from undernutrition (Prevost et al., 2014). Sensory alterations may also involve sensory changes from the physiological structures of the mouth or neural pathways and hedonic changes, i.e., although food may taste the same as usual, that taste is no longer judged as pleasant. These changes lead to an aversion to food and a decrease in the pleasure of eating (Bernhardson et al., 2009). Despite the large number of published studies on taste and smell alterations in diverse cancer populations, few have examined other dimensions of oral sensory alterations. Studies focusing on somesthesia have mostly been conducted in the area of oral physiology or stomatology in relation to oral pain and rehabilitation (Howes, Wongsriruksa, Laughlin, Witchel, & Miodownik, 2014). Regarding food perception, somesthesia provides information about both texture, temperature, and trigeminal sensations. These sensations are detected by mechanical, thermal, nociceptive receptors present throughout the oral epithelium (Simons & Carstens, 2008). In addition to taste and smell, food perception is influenced by oral somatosensation and studies have demonstrated an interrelated relationship between these oral sensations (Spence, Piqueras-Fiszman 2016). Therefore, ther might have a correlation between oral somatosensation and food preferences, subsequently influencing eating behavior and food consumption. A standard method, using a so-called Von Frey Hair monofilament, to assess tactile sensation was developed by Etter et al. (Etter, N. M et al.,. J. Vis. Exp. 2020) but has so far been only minimally used in Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) cancer (Bearelly, Wang, & Cheung, 2017; Bodin, Jäghagen, & Isberg, 2004; Elfring, Boliek, Seikaly, Harris, & Rieger, 2012). The aim of the study is to determine the variability and role of somatosensory perception (texture, pungency transmitted through the trigeminal system, and temperature) on food preferences in cancer patients compared to healthy volunteers.

The investigators will conduct a randomized controlled trial examining 12-week, 24-week and one year outcomes from a combined therapeutic and physical exercise program that aims to bridge head-and-neck cancer survivors from acute care rehabilitation services to community-based exercise programming.

This is a multicenter, interventional, randomized study among patients with a first lung or head & neck cancer who are still active smokers ± alcohol misusers.The study will aim to compare the systematic implementation of an addiction treatment program initiated at hospital and integrated to the initial cancer treatment program (Arm A), versus the as-usual procedure, which consists in recommendations to follow an addiction treatment program (Arm B)

The primary objective is the prospective determination of disease-specific and overall survival in head and neck cancer patients who have undergone surgery, correlated to non-invasive methods of measuring tumour hypoxia. The secondary objective is to define tumour hypoxia using non-invasive methodology.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the symbiotic use in patients with head and neck cancer impact on intestinal function after surgical treatment.

Trismus (limited jaw mobility), can occur in patients undergoing radiotherapy to specific areas of the head or neck. Trismus leads to difficulty in eating, swallowing, speech and general mouth hygiene, which all have negative effects on quality of life. Research in the area of trismus is limited; it is not known exactly when trismus develops, one study suggests that some patients have experienced a diminished opening at as low doses as 15 Gy. Literature suggests benefits of a training programme, but there is a lack of evidence to support the use of a training programme during radiotherapy. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of a training programme during and after radiotherapy, and report the incidence of trismus in patients who receive radiotherapy to the jaw muscles. The study also investigates quality of life during radiotherapy and up to one year after completed treatment. Patients who meet the criteria and give their consensus to the study are divided into two groups: Group 1: Training with TheraBite Jaw Motion Rehabilitation System, which is a portable system utilizing repetitive passive motion and stretching to restore mobility and flexibility of the jaw musculature. Individuals train five times a day. Group 2: Conventional treatment (jaw measurements once a week). If the individuals jaw mobility decreases 15% from the original start measurement, the patient is automatically offered a trainings program (as in group 1). During radiation therapy a hospital specialist dentist measures the jaw mobility once a week, thereafter at 3,6,12 months after completed Radiation Therapy. On 5 different occasions the patients are requested to complete a Quality of life questionnaire. Patient's record their training frequency in a log book.

Background: Oral nutrition appears to be a challenge for patients with head and neck cancer after radiotherapy. Many patients desire to (their) 'normal food intake' and return to oral nutrition with normal consistency without modifications and diet formulas. Due to the dysphagia experienced post treatment this seems tremendously difficult. Referral to a speech-language therapist for swallowing therapy is no standard procedure. Study design: A prospective randomized study in patients with a tumor in Oral cavity, Nasopharynx, Oropharynx, Hypopharynx or Larynx with stage II-IV (UICC TNM-tumor classification), ≥ 18 years, eligible for primary treatment with (chemo)radiation or adjuvant radiotherapy with curative intent. Intervention: Individually tailored swallowing therapy by an experienced speech-language therapist in cooperation with individual dietary counselling (by an experienced dietician, 'usual care') pre-, per- and post treatment (until 6 months after treatment). This might improve 'normalcy of food intake', quality (no food modifications) and quantity of food intake and besides decrease the use of tube feeding and/or nutritional supplements. Also patients quality of life and nutritional status may be influenced positively. Study hypothesis: The purpose of this study is to determine whether combined individual swallowing therapy and individual dietary counselling in patients with head and neck cancer receiving (chemo)radiotherapy can improve 'normal food intake'. Food intake without modifications and tube feeding and/or nutritional supplements.

RATIONALE: DNA analysis of tumor tissue may help doctors predict how well patients will respond to treatment. PURPOSE: This research study is studying biomarkers in patients with head and neck cancer.

The purpose of this study is to determine whether continuous use of edible, gel-based artificial saliva in cancer patients with dry mouth problems will reduce signs and symptoms of dry mouth and improve quality of patients' saliva.