Improving swallowing assessments for cancer patients with dysphagia
Official title: Dissemination and implementation of DIGEST™ as an evidence-based measurement tool for dysphagia in cancer
Funded at University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr · NIH-11031943 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new tool called DIGEST™ to help doctors better understand and treat swallowing problems in cancer survivors, making it easier for them to get the care they need.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Houston, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $635,890 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA271223-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11031943 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are cancer survivors experiencing dysphagia or swallowing difficulties.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have dysphagia or are not cancer survivors may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the evaluation of swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia, particularly in cancer survivors. It aims to implement an evidence-based tool called DIGEST™, which grades the severity of dysphagia using advanced imaging techniques. By integrating this tool into clinical practice, the research seeks to improve the accuracy of swallowing assessments and ultimately enhance patient care. The study will involve collaboration with speech-language pathologists to ensure effective adoption of this tool in various healthcare settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better management of swallowing difficulties in cancer patients, improving their quality of life and reducing healthcare costs.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that implementing evidence-based practices in clinical settings can significantly improve patient outcomes, suggesting a strong potential for success with this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
Houston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hutcheson, Katherine Arnold — University of Tx Md Anderson Can Ctr
- Study coordinator: Hutcheson, Katherine Arnold
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Wearable biofeedback device to help swallowing after neurologic injury
This project helps people with swallowing problems from neurologic conditions use a small wearable sensor that shows neck muscle activity to guide exercises and improve swallowing.
-
Reducing Burden for Care Partners of People with Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias
This project tests a user-friendly Web tool to help care partners of people with dementia manage oropharyngeal dysphagia and reduce daily caregiving burden.
-
InHANCE: Radiation-Related Swallowing Difficulty in Head and Neck Cancer
A patient-focused program aims to understand and reduce swallowing problems caused by radiation therapy in head and neck cancer survivors.
-
Non-Invasive Dysphagia Detection for Preterm Infants
A new non-invasive tool analyzes a premature baby’s bottle feeding behavior to detect swallowing difficulties early.
-
Web program to help caregivers safely feed loved ones with dementia who have trouble swallowing
A web-based program to teach family caregivers how to manage swallowing problems and reduce the stress of feeding a loved one with Alzheimer’s or related dementia.
-
Wearable biofeedback to improve swallowing after neurological diseases
A wearable biofeedback device helps adults with neurogenic dysphagia improve swallowing through guided exercises and remote coaching.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.