Exercise to Improve Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Can Exercise Ameliorate Immunosenescence and Thereby Reduce Relapse in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Not applicable Interventional Chang Gung Memorial Hospital · NCT06851988

This study is testing if a specific exercise program can help head and neck cancer patients recover better after surgery and possibly lower their chances of cancer coming back.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment180 (estimated)
Ages20 Years to 80 Years
SexAll
SponsorChang Gung Memorial Hospital Academic / other
Locations1 site (New Taipei City)
Trial IDNCT06851988 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This project aims to determine if a safe and effective exercise prescription can help head and neck cancer patients after surgery, particularly focusing on those with oral cancer. The study will explore the relationship between high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and immunosenescence, a condition that may increase cancer recurrence risk. By encouraging regular exercise, the investigators hope to enhance recovery and reduce the likelihood of cancer relapse in these patients. The research will involve monitoring physical activity and assessing its impact on patient outcomes over three years.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 20 and older diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma who are undergoing concurrent chemoradiotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients with an ECOG performance status of 2 or higher, or those unable to tolerate exercise, may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a new approach to improve recovery and reduce cancer recurrence in head and neck cancer patients through exercise.

How similar studies have performed: While exercise interventions have shown success in other cancer populations, the effectiveness in head and neck cancer survivors is still inadequately understood, making this approach somewhat novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age ≥20
2. Pathology:Squamous cell carcinoma
3. Need CCRT treatment
4. ECOG PS\<2
5. Agree with blood drawing, excise training, questionnaire

Exclusion Criteria:

1. ECOG PS≥2
2. Unable to tolerate basic exercise, or CCRT treatment
3. Mental illness or any medical illness or concurrent illness that may be aggravated by exercise training or unmanageable
4. Any medical condition that unsuitable for exercise
5. Disagree to trial procedures: exercise, blood draws, questionnaire

Where this trial is running

New Taipei City

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 AgingHigh-intensity Interval TrainingHead and Neck Cancers - TonsilsExerciseImmunosenescenceRecurrence-free survivalHead and Neck Cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.