Virtual group speech therapy for head and neck cancer patients
Impacts of an Innovative Patient-partner-guided Virtual Group Speech Pathology Intervention Model to Prevent Swallowing Disorders in Patients Treated With Chemoradiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer
This study tests a new online group speech therapy program for head and neck cancer patients to see if it helps them stick to their treatment and avoid swallowing problems during their care.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase1; Phase2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 76 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CHUM) Academic / other |
| Drugs / interventions | radiation |
| Locations | 1 site (Montreal, Quebec) |
| Trial ID | NCT05621889 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This project investigates an innovative virtual group speech therapy intervention, known as the eG2 Intervention, designed by speech-language pathologists at the Centre hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal. The intervention aims to enhance therapeutic adherence and prevent dysphagia in patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer. It uniquely incorporates a patient partner to guide the group sessions, improving accessibility and quality of care while optimizing healthcare resources.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults aged 18 and older with a diagnosis of head or neck cancer who are scheduled to receive curative chemoradiotherapy.
Not a fit: Patients with remote metastases, previous total laryngectomy, or severe dysphagia may not benefit from this intervention.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve the quality of life for head and neck cancer patients by reducing the incidence of dysphagia.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar virtual group interventions have shown promise in other areas of rehabilitation, suggesting potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults ≥ 18 years of age with a diagnosis of head or neck cancer * Chemoradiotherapy treatments planned for curative purposes * Planned external radiation therapy dose of at least ≥60 Grays * Sufficient proficiency in French to complete self-reported questionnaires Exclusion Criteria: * Remote metastases * Previous or planned total laryngectomy * Previous moderate/severe dysphagia known and/or evaluated by speech therapy * Diagnosis of a second synchronous cancer at the time of study enrollment * History of prior radiation therapy to the head and neck area * Have a cognitive impairment (diagnosed or suspected) that may significantly interfere with participation in the intervention and various measurement procedures.
Where this trial is running
Montreal, Quebec
- Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal — Montreal, Quebec, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Marie-Eve Caty, M.P.O., Ph.D.
- Email: marie-eve.caty@uqtr.ca
- Phone: 819 376-5011
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.