Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Observational Ages 18 and up

Dietary fiber and sarcopenia risk in head and neck cancer

Official title: A Preliminary Elucidation of the Role of Dietary Fiber in Mitigating Sarcopenia Risk in Head and Neck Cancer

Run by University of Oklahoma · NCT07622914 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This observational study will track fiber intake and related biological markers in adults with head and neck cancer from diagnosis for six months to see if higher fiber intake relates to better muscle health and lower inflammation during treatment.

More Head and Neck Cancers trials

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
Enrollment59 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Oklahoma
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Oklahoma City, Oklahoma)
StatusRecruiting
StartedOctober 31, 2025
Main results expectedMarch 31, 2027
Study endsJune 30, 2027
Registry record updatedJune 3, 2026
Trial IDNCT07622914 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Adults 18 or older with newly diagnosed squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck and who can provide data prior to treatment and meet baseline energy needs.

Probably not a fit

Patients unable to increase dietary fiber intake or with conditions affecting digestion may see no benefit.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This observational, mixed-methods study follows adults newly diagnosed with head and neck cancer for six months to examine the relationship between dietary fiber intake, short chain fatty acids, inflammation, and sarcopenia. Fiber intake will be assessed with the DHQIII and 24-hour recalls, while SCFAs will be measured in stool and inflammatory markers in blood samples. Muscle quantity and quality will be evaluated using CT scans, and muscle function will be tested with Timed Chair Stands and leg press power assessments. The study also explores patient perceptions and feasibility of increasing dietary fiber as part of cancer care. No intervention is assigned; the aim is to observe natural dietary patterns and their associations with catabolic factors during treatment.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, findings could inform dietary strategies to support muscle health and reduce inflammation in head and neck cancer patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggests diet and inflammation influence sarcopenia, but this specific fiber-sarcopenia relationship in head and neck cancer is novel and exploratory.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ≥18 years of age
* Newly diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma of the: paranasal sinuses, nasal cavity, oral cavity, tongue, larynx, pharynx \[i.e., nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx\]
* Meeting at least 60% of baseline energy needs
* Willingness to provide data prior to treatment
* Access to the internet
* Access to a home freezer
* Ability to do remote interview
* Access to a phone
* Willingness to avoid pre-, pro-, or synbiotics

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previously diagnosed or positive screen for a GI-related condition or eating disorder
* Able to complete bioelectrical impedance (stand unsupported, no pacemaker or limb amputation) and Timed Chair Stands
* Currently pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
* Current or past 3-month antibiotic use

Where it's running

  • Stephenson Cancer Center
    Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.