Understanding how the tongue moves during speech after cancer treatment

A holistic approach to identifying functional units of tongue motion during speech

['FUNDING_R01'] · MASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL · NIH-10815712

This study looks at how removing part of the tongue because of cancer affects how well people can speak, and it aims to find ways to improve treatment and recovery for those patients.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMASSACHUSETTS GENERAL HOSPITAL (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10815712 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how surgical removal of tongue tissue due to cancer affects the tongue's ability to produce speech. By examining the functional units of tongue motion, the study aims to identify how different surgical techniques impact speech production. The approach includes analyzing muscle groupings in the tongue and their coordination during speech, which can lead to better treatment planning and rehabilitation strategies for patients. The findings could help develop objective measures to evaluate speech outcomes after treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with tongue cancer who are undergoing or have undergone glossectomy surgery.

Not a fit: Patients with non-cancerous conditions affecting the tongue or those who have not undergone any surgical treatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved speech rehabilitation strategies for patients recovering from tongue cancer surgery.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding speech production mechanics, but this specific approach to tongue cancer rehabilitation is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Cancers

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.