Exercise and nutrition program for head and neck cancer survivors

The ENHANCE Study: Exercise and Nutrition in Head And Neck CancEr Survivors: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute · NCT05798780

This study tests if a special exercise and Mediterranean diet program can help people who have just been diagnosed with head and neck cancer feel better and recover more effectively during their treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment40 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorH. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute Academic / other
Drugs / interventionsradiation
Locations1 site (Tampa, Florida)
Trial IDNCT05798780 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to develop and evaluate a physical activity and dietary intervention specifically designed for patients who have been newly diagnosed with head and neck cancers. Participants will engage in either an exercise and nutrition program or a nutrition-only program, focusing on adopting a Mediterranean diet. The study will assess the impact of these interventions on the health and recovery of patients undergoing treatment with radiation or chemoradiation. The goal is to enhance the overall well-being and quality of life for these cancer survivors.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old who have been newly diagnosed with tumors of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx and are scheduled to receive radiation or chemoradiation.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, have head and neck cancer as a secondary diagnosis, or are scheduled for surgery may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the health outcomes and quality of life for head and neck cancer survivors.

How similar studies have performed: While similar interventions focusing on exercise and nutrition have shown promise in other cancer populations, this specific approach for head and neck cancer survivors is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* \>18 years old
* Newly diagnosed tumors of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx
* No documented or observable psychiatric or neurological disorders that would interfere with study participation (e.g., dementia, psychosis)
* Able to speak and read English
* Able to consume food orally
* Willing to consume an alternative Mediterranean diet
* Scheduled to receive treatment with radiation or chemoradiation
* Screened via the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q+) with medical clearance of treating physicians, as necessary
* Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Women who are pregnant
* Head and Neck Cancer not the primary diagnosis
* Patients scheduled to receive surgery
* Patients on enteral or parental nutrition

Where this trial is running

Tampa, Florida

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.
Conditions Oral Cavity CancerOropharynx CancerHypopharynx CancerLarynx Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.