Evaluating frailty in patients with head and neck tumors before treatment

Prospective Evaluation of Frailty in Patients with Head and Neck Tumors Before Curative Intended Therapy

NA · Charite University, Berlin, Germany · NCT06638216

This study tests how fragile patients with head and neck tumors are before starting treatment to see if it affects their side effects and quality of life, helping to create a better support program for them.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment200 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCharite University, Berlin, Germany (other)
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Berlin)
Trial IDNCT06638216 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study assesses the fragility of patients diagnosed with head and neck tumors prior to initiating curative therapy. Using the G8 questionnaire, the study aims to identify patients at risk of therapy-related side effects due to their pre-existing conditions. Additionally, it evaluates quality of life, swallowing function, and cardiopulmonary resilience through various assessments. The findings will inform the development of a prehabilitation program tailored for these patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are diagnosed with head and neck tumors and are eligible for curative therapy.

Not a fit: Patients under 18 years old or those with severe walking impairments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment outcomes and quality of life for patients with head and neck cancers.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in assessing frailty in cancer patients, indicating that this approach is promising.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Indication for curative therapy in the case of an initial diagnosis of head and neck tumor disease
* Capacity to consent
* At least 18 years of age
* Sufficient knowledge of the German language

Exclusion Criteria:

* - Lack of capacity to consent
* Age \<18 years
* Severe impairment of walking ability that makes it impossible to perform the 6MWT safely

Contraindications for performing a 6MWT:

Absolute contraindications\* for the procedure are

* unstable angina pectoris
* myocardial infarction in the past month.

Relative contraindications are

* a resting heart rate \> 120/min
* systolic blood pressure \> 180 mmHg
* a diastolic blood pressure \> 100 mmHg.

Where this trial is running

Berlin

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 Cancers, Head and Neck Cancer, Frailty, Geriatric Assessment, Radiation, Maxillo-facial Surgery

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.