Preventive physical activity for head and neck cancer patients

Preventive Randomized Study Regarding Physical Activity Intervention for Patients Receiving Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: the Effect of Preventive Intervention for Physical Activity, Function and Quality of Life

Not applicable Interventional Sahlgrenska University Hospital · NCT05432297

This study tests if a special exercise program can help head and neck cancer patients feel better and function well during their radiation treatment.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment80 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSahlgrenska University Hospital Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy
Locations1 site (Gothenburg)
Trial IDNCT05432297 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study involves patients with tumors of the oropharynx, larynx, and hypopharynx who are scheduled to receive radiotherapy with curative intent. Participants will be randomly assigned to either a preventive physical activity intervention group or a control group that does not engage in a specified exercise protocol. Throughout the treatment, all patients will receive weekly support from a speech language pathologist or physical therapist. The aim is to enhance physical function and improve quality of life during and after oncologic treatment.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients diagnosed with head and neck cancer who are set to receive radiotherapy with curative intent.

Not a fit: Patients who have undergone surgery for head and neck cancer or those unable to participate in the exercise intervention will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve physical function and quality of life for patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer.

How similar studies have performed: While similar approaches have been explored, this specific preventive physical activity intervention in the context of head and neck cancer treatment is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Head and neck cancer (tumors of the oropharynx, pharynx, hypopharynx and larynx)
* Receiving radiohterapy (+/- chemotherapy) with curative intent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Surgery due to head and neck cancer
* Previous treatment for head and neck cancer
* Tracheostomized patients
* Inability to perform exercise intervention
* Inability to perform part of 6-minute walking test
* Inability to independently fill out questionnaires in Swedish
* Previous neurologic or neuromuscular disease

Where this trial is running

Gothenburg

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 NeoplasmsPhysical Inactivity
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.