Assessing early physical therapy for jaw movement issues in head and neck cancer patients
Feasibility of PRospective Surveillance and Early PhysiCal Therapy for TrIsmuS in Individuals With Head and Neck CancEr: A Single-Group Feasibility Trial (PRECISE)
This study is testing if starting physical therapy early can help prevent jaw movement problems in head and neck cancer patients undergoing radiation treatment.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 30 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Alberta Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Edmonton, Alberta) |
| Trial ID | NCT06531083 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the feasibility of early physical therapy interventions to prevent trismus, a condition characterized by restricted jaw movement, in patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer. A pilot study will involve 30 individuals who will receive weekly assessments and interventions, including manual therapy and exercise regimens, if they show a significant reduction in jaw opening. The study aims to gather data on recruitment, completion rates, and the acceptability of the intervention to inform future rehabilitation strategies for this patient population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with oral, oropharyngeal, or nasopharyngeal cancer who are scheduled for radiation therapy and reside in Alberta.
Not a fit: Patients with previous temporomandibular joint surgery unrelated to their cancer diagnosis or those with local cancer recurrence may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve jaw mobility and quality of life for patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research on early physical therapy for trismus, the approach of early intervention in similar conditions has shown promise, making this study both relevant and potentially impactful.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Have a diagnosis of oral, oropharyngeal, or nasopharyngeal cancer * Be scheduled to undergo cancer treatment that includes radiation therapy * Be able to read and understand English * Be an Alberta resident. Exclusion Criteria: * Previous surgery for the temporomandibular joint that is not related to the HNC diagnosis. * Local cancer recurrence or metastatic disease. * Unable to provide informed consent.
Where this trial is running
Edmonton, Alberta
- University of Alberta/ Cross Cancer Institute — Edmonton, Alberta, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Margaret McNeely, PhD — University of Alberta
- Study coordinator: Margaret McNeely, PhD
- Email: mmcneely@ualberta.ca
- Phone: 780-492-6007
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.