Effects of neoadjuvant therapy on pain, anxiety, and depression in head and neck cancer patients

Effects of Neoadjuvant Therapy With Carboplatin, Paclitaxel Combined With Anti-PD-1 Drugs on Pain, Anxiety and Depression in Patients With Resectable Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University · NCT06575322

This study is testing how a combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy affects pain, anxiety, and depression in patients with head and neck cancer who are preparing for surgery.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment302 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorSun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, immunotherapy
Locations1 site (Guanzhou, Guangdong)
Trial IDNCT06575322 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate the impact of neoadjuvant therapy using carboplatin, paclitaxel, and anti-PD-1 drugs on pain, anxiety, and depression in patients diagnosed with operable head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. The study will involve a prospective cohort of patients who are planning to undergo surgical treatment. By assessing the psychological and physical effects of the treatment regimen, the study seeks to provide insights into the overall well-being of patients during their cancer treatment journey.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients with a clinical diagnosis of stage I-IVA head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who are planning to undergo surgical treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with mental illnesses such as dementia or delirium, or those currently using narcotic drugs or antidepressants, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance the management of pain, anxiety, and depression in patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific combination of therapies in the context of psychological outcomes is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

\- 1: Clinical diagnosis of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (stage I-IVA), without prior treatment, and planning to undergo either surgical treatment alone or surgical treatment combined with chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

2: Ability to speak Chinese and possess basic reading and writing skills.

Exclusion Criteria:

* 1: Presence of mental illnesses such as dementia or delirium.

  2: Active use of narcotic drugs, including consuming alcohol more than 4 times per day or more than 4 times per week.

  3: Patients who alter their treatment plan during the course of treatment.

  4: Current or prior use of antidepressants.

Where this trial is running

Guanzhou, Guangdong

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma

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.