Swallowing Rehab Program for Head and Neck Cancer Patients on Chemoradiation
Official title: Evaluation of a Structured Swallowing Rehabilitation Exercise Program on Dysphagia and Trismus in Head and Neck Tumor Patients
Run by Delta University for Science and Technology · NCT07795294 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A structured swallowing rehabilitation program is tested to see if it improves swallowing, jaw mobility, and pain for head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemoradiation.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 20 Years to 60 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Delta University for Science and Technology Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Cairo) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | August 31, 2026 |
| Main results expected | December 25, 2026 |
| Study ends | June 25, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | October 7, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07795294 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 20-60 with head and neck cancer receiving chemoradiotherapy and with a history of prior radiation therapy or current treatment.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients without dysphagia or trismus related to cancer treatment, or those with contraindications to participation, may not experience benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This randomized controlled trial compares a structured swallowing rehabilitation program to standard care in adults with head and neck cancer receiving chemoradiotherapy. The program includes exercises such as Mendelsohn, effortful swallow, Masako, tongue strengthening, and jaw range-of-motion, delivered in four phases over six weeks with guidance sessions. Outcomes are measured at baseline and six weeks using the EAT-10 for swallowing function, GTQ2 for trismus, and pain assessments. The study aims to determine whether targeted swallowing and jaw-mobility training can reduce dysphagia and trismus severity in this patient population.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience better swallowing function, decreased trismus severity, and less pain during and after treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in swallowing rehabilitation for cancer-related dysphagia has shown benefit in some populations, though results vary by protocol and patient group.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Both genders * Aged 20-60 years * Patients receiving chemoradiotherapy * Patients having a history of head and neck cancer * Patients who had received previous radiation therapy for head and neck cancer Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who had neurological or psychiatric problems * Patients who had dysphagia for a reason other than cancer
Where it's running
-
National Cancer Institute, Cairo University
Cairo, Egypt Recruiting
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.