Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Phase 3 Interventional Ages 18 to 70

Sparing swallowing and aspiration risk organs in head and neck cancer treatment

Official title: The SWOAR Trial: A Phase III Trial Evaluating Sparing of Swallowing and Aspiration Related Organs at Risk & Submandibular Gland With Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy Versus Standard IMRT in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas

Run by All India Institute of Medical Sciences · NCT05187091 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new type of radiation therapy that aims to protect swallowing and aspiration-related organs in people with head and neck cancer to see if it helps them swallow better and have fewer side effects.

More Head and Neck Neoplasms trials

Quick facts

PhasePhase 3
Study typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 70 Years
SexAll
Enrollment136 (estimated)
SponsorAll India Institute of Medical Sciences
Academic / other
Drugs / interventionschemotherapy, radiation
Locations1 site (Jhajjar, Haryana)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 12, 2021
Main results expectedAugust 12, 2026
Study endsDecember 2026
Registry record updatedSeptember 11, 2026
Trial IDNCT05187091 on ClinicalTrials.gov

Is this trial a fit for you?

Likely a good fit

Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 to 70 with histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx, larynx, or hypopharynx requiring bilateral neck radiotherapy.

Probably not a fit

Patients with early-stage glottic carcinoma, metastatic disease, or those who have previously received head and neck radiation may not benefit from this study.

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

The SWOAR Trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) that spares structures related to swallowing and aspiration in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Participants will be randomized to receive either the SWOAR IMRT or standard IMRT while undergoing radical concurrent chemoradiotherapy or radiotherapy. The primary outcome will be assessed using the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) at 6 months post-treatment, with secondary objectives focusing on aspiration prevention and toxicity assessments over time. This trial seeks to improve swallowing function and reduce complications associated with radiation therapy.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promising results with similar swallowing-sparing techniques in radiation therapy, indicating potential for success in this approach.

Who can join: the full rules

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Aged 18 or above and less than 70 years
2. Patient undergoing radiotherapy for HNSCC of the Oropharynx or Larynx or Hypopharynx.
3. Stage T1-4, N0-3, M0 disease with histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma requiring bilateral neck radiotherapy and where sparing of contra lateral or one submandibular gland is possible
4. Radiotherapy with concomitant chemotherapy (unless contraindicated) is the planned treatment
5. Karnofsky performance score greater or equal 70
6. Available to attend long term follow- up;
7. Ability to complete the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI) and EORTC quality of life questionnaires English or Hindi Version.
8. Willingness to undergo FEES.
9. Written informed consent for treatment.
10. Available to attend long term follow- up

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Early Carcinoma Glottis (T1-T2, N0M0)
2. Metastatic disease.
3. Previous radiotherapy to the head and neck region
4. Lateralised tumours, requiring unilateral irradiation
5. Patients requiring radiation to both submandibular glands
6. Evidence of pre-existing swallowing dysfunction (not related to HNC);
7. Major head and neck surgery (excluding biopsies/tonsillectomy);
8. Tracheostomy placement
9. Previous or concurrent illness, which in the investigator's opinion would interfere with completion of therapy, trial assessments or follow-up
10. Any invasive malignancy within previous 2 years (other than non melanomatous skin carcinoma or cervical carcinoma in situ).

Where it's running

  • Nci, Aiims
    Jhajjar, Haryana, India
    Recruiting

Study contacts

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.