Measuring energy changes in head and neck cancer patients after treatment

Detecting Changes Before and After Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer by Meridian Electroacupuncture Analysis Device (MEAD)

This study is testing how energy levels change in head and neck cancer patients after they receive chemotherapy or radiotherapy, using a special device to measure these changes and track their pain and quality of life.

Quick facts

• Phase: NA
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 34 (estimated)
• Ages: 20 Years to 75 Years
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (other)
• Drugs / interventions: chemotherapy, radiation
• Locations: 1 site (Keelung)
• Trial ID: NCT04872517 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This trial aims to observe changes in meridian energy among patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer following chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Utilizing a non-invasive device called the Meridian Energy Analysis Device (MEAD), the study measures skin resistance at specific points on the body to assess energy changes. Conducted by a team of Traditional Chinese Medicine physicians, the trial will collect data on pain levels, oral mucositis, quality of life, and other clinical assessments over six treatment cycles. The study will enroll 34 subjects from radiation oncology and hematology oncology departments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 20 to 75 with head and neck cancer who have not undergone surgery and are planning to receive chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.

Not a fit: Patients who have already undergone surgery or completed chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide insights into the energy changes in cancer patients, potentially improving treatment approaches and patient quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While the approach of using MEAD is relatively novel, similar studies in Traditional Chinese Medicine have shown promise in assessing energy changes in patients.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. patients with head and neck cancer, included nasopharyngeal carcinoma, laryngeal cancer, oropharyngeal cancer, ear and oral cancer, hypopharyngeal cancer, salivary-gland carcinoma. Aged between 20 years old to 75years old, no gender difference.
2. patients with head and neck cancer has not received surgery yet, and will plan to accept chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.
3. recurrent head and neck cancer, and expect to received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.
4. patient with vital sings stableness, conscious clear, and have ability to recognize the contain of trail and sign consent.
5. not accept other adjuvant therapy.
6. no brain metastasis or psychosis, and will to join whole course as well as accept assessments.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Aged less than 20 years old and over 75 years old。
2. Patients be diagnosed with head and neck cancer, and accepted surgery, or already finished chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy.
3. patient with brain metastasis, conscious unclear, and have not able to recognize the contain of trail and sign consent.
4. Accept other adjuvant therapy and chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy simultaneously.
5. Combined with serious organs failure。
6. Have contraindication in chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Where this trial is running

Keelung

• Chang Cung Memorial Hospital — Keelung, Taiwan (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jian-An Liao — medical attending
• Study coordinator: Chao-Hua Fang

Conditions: Head and Neck Cancer