Partner-based yoga program for head and neck cancer patients and their caregivers

Improving Healthcare Utilization and Quality of Life in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemoradiation and Their Family Caregivers

Not applicable Interventional M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT04890834

This study tests whether a partner-based yoga program can help improve the quality of life for head and neck cancer patients and their caregivers during treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT04890834 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the effectiveness of a dyadic yoga intervention aimed at improving the quality of life for patients with head and neck cancer undergoing chemoradiation and their caregivers. Participants will be randomized into two groups: one receiving standard care and the other participating in the yoga program. The study will assess healthcare utilization, including emergency department visits and feeding tube insertions, as well as overall quality of life improvements. Additionally, the cost-effectiveness of the intervention will be analyzed, along with qualitative insights into patient and caregiver experiences.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults diagnosed with head and neck cancer who are about to undergo chemoradiation and have a willing family caregiver.

Not a fit: Patients who have participated in a yoga program in the year prior to their diagnosis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could enhance the quality of life for both patients and caregivers while potentially reducing healthcare costs.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with yoga interventions in cancer care, suggesting potential success for this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* PATIENTS: Diagnosed with a primary HNC and going to receive at least 5 weeks (25 fractions) of CRT
* PATIENTS: Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status of =\< 2
* PATIENTS: Having a family caregiver (e.g., spouse/partner, sibling, adult child) willing to participate
* PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS: Must be at least 18 years old
* PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS: Able to read and speak English
* PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS: Able to provide informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* PATIENTS AND CAREGIVERS: Who have regularly (self-defined) participated in a yoga program in the year prior to diagnosis

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

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 Head and Neck Carcinoma
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.