Feasibility of Early Swallowing and Speech Intervention for Head and Neck Cancer Patients Treated SURGically

🩺 Protocol Summary

Oral cavity cancer (OCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with tongue cancer being one of the most common subtypes. Patients with oral cancers can experience painful swallowing, swallowing difficulty (dysphagia), and associated weight loss long after surgery. Not only is dysphagia an independent predictor of quality of life (QoL) in cancer survivorship, it can also have a devastating impact on the health of patients resulting from complications such as pneumonia, malnutrition and feeding tube dependence. Emerging evidence suggests that patients undergoing surgery benefit from engaging with speech-language pathologists (SLPs) before problems arise, to learn swallow strategies that may become useful in their rehabilitation. This in turn has the potential to reduce complications and minimize the length of feeding tube dependency. This study will assess the feasibility of conducting a prospective clinical trial that would evaluate the effects on patient health, function and overall benefit of early and systematic SLP speech and swallowing intervention for head and neck cancer patients planned for curative surgical treatment. We will also assess long-term changes in select clinical and patient-reported outcomes comparing their status before, and one month after, treatment.

Primary Research Facility: University Health Network (Toronto, Ontario)

Review these 3 basic logistical and protocol criteria extracted from the public NIH record. (This is a preliminary logistical checklist, not an official clinical eligibility determination).

Diagnosed with, undergoing evaluation for, or seeking treatment related to Dysphagia?

🔍 Study Population / Focus Area (Source: Protocol Primary Condition)

Aged 18 Years or older?

🔍 Protocol Specified Minimum Age: 18 Years

Able to attend required clinic visits at University Health Network (Toronto, Ontario)?

🔍 Logistical Requirement: Site at University Health Network

📍 Primary Site Map

Site: University Health Network — Toronto, Ontario

💰 Clinical Trial Costs & Insurance Coverage

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