Navigation-based care pathway to speed adjuvant therapy for head and neck cancer

Who could benefit from this research

What this research studies

This project tests a navigation-based, multilevel intervention designed to streamline care after surgery for head and neck cancer. It looks at how patient, team, and hospital factors affect whether postoperative radiation therapy starts within the recommended 6 weeks, and whether a coordinated navigation program can shorten delays. The study uses a stepped-wedge cluster design across four cancer centers to measure both outcomes and how the program is put into practice in real clinics. Prior pilot work suggested the approach is feasible and acceptable, and this trial will build on that to confirm effectiveness and identify key implementation factors.

Why it matters

Where this research is happening

• Medical University of South Carolina
  Charleston, United States Active

Researchers

• Principal investigator: Graboyes, Evan Michael — Medical University of South Carolina
• Study coordinator: Graboyes, Evan Michael

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

• Helping people with head and neck cancer start post-surgery radiation on time

  This project uses a patient navigation program to help people with head and neck cancer begin their recommended post-surgery radiation within six weeks of surgery.

  NIH research Medical University of South Carolina · Charleston, United States · NIH-11143127

• Improving timely cancer treatment for head and neck cancer patients

  This study is testing a helpful program that guides patients with head and neck cancer to make sure they get their radiation therapy on time, especially for those who might not have easy access to care.

  NIH research Medical University of South Carolina · Charleston, United States · NIH-10867408

• Combined Imaging and RNA Markers to Predict Head and Neck Cancer Recurrence

  A research project aims to use imaging and RNA data to better predict if head and neck cancer will come back, helping doctors tailor treatments for patients.

  NIH research Washington University · Saint Louis, United States · NIH-11607780

• Biomarker to guide treatment in head and neck cancer

  A biomarker test using tumor samples is being developed to predict recurrence risk in oral cancers and help tailor treatment.

  NIH research Boston University (Charles River Campus) · Boston, United States · NIH-11580855

• Intensive dental care during cancer follow-up to protect teeth after head and neck radiation

  A program delivered in oncology clinics to provide fluoride varnish and dental follow-up aims to reduce tooth decay and improve oral health and quality of life for head and neck cancer patients after radiation therapy.

  NIH research Wake Forest University Health Sciences · Winston-Salem, United States · NIH-11575645

• AI-powered radiotherapy planning for cervical and head-and-neck cancer

  A computer program helps plan radiation therapy for cervical and head-and-neck cancer patients to make treatments faster and more accurate.

  NIH research University College London · London, United Kingdom · NIH-11535419

About this research

1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.