Understanding speech changes after oral cancer surgery
Speech Flexibility in Adulthood Following Oral Cancer Treatment: Acoustic and Kinematic Explorations
This study looks at how surgery for oral cancer affects speech and whether different people's reliance on their senses can change how well they adapt their speech over time.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Medical Center Groningen Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Groningen and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05876247 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study aims to investigate the effects of surgical treatment for oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma on speech articulation. Participants will undergo various speech tasks while their articulatory movements are monitored using electromagnetic articulography. The study will focus on how individual differences in sensory reliance may influence the effectiveness of speech compensatory strategies over time. By tracking these changes longitudinally, researchers hope to gain insights into the rehabilitation process for patients post-surgery.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older who are native Dutch speakers and have a diagnosis of T1 or T2 oral cavity tumors.
Not a fit: Patients with recurrent oral cancer, pre-existing speech disorders, or significant neurological or psychological conditions may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve speech rehabilitation strategies for patients recovering from oral cancer surgery.
How similar studies have performed: While similar studies have explored speech rehabilitation, this specific approach using motion tracking in the context of oral cancer treatment is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: 1. Diagnosed with T1 or T2 tumor in the oral cavity 2. At least 18 years old and able to provide informed consent 3. Native speaker of Dutch 4. Has nog been treated for oral cancer before Exclusion Criteria: 1a. Recurrence of disease (for patients) 1b. Treated for oral cancer (for healthy controls) 2. Speech problems (e.g., stuttering) 3. Problems with sight or hearing that impede reading or understanding instructions. When glasses or a hearing aid resolve these problems, then participants are not excluded. 4. Neurological or psychological disorders (e.g., stroke) 5. Non-removable metal in, on or around the head (piercings, braces, pacemaker, electrodes) 6. Self-reported signs of depression
Where this trial is running
Groningen and 1 other locations
- Faculty of Arts, University of Groningen — Groningen, Netherlands (Recruiting)
- University Medical Centre Groningen — Groningen, Netherlands (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Max Witjes, PhD — University of Groningen
- Study coordinator: Thomas Tienkamp, MA
- Email: t.b.tienkamp@umcg.nl
- Phone: +31 50 36 37051
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.