UnknownNot Applicable

Testing Accountability in Patient Adherence

United States225 participantsStarted 2013-05

Plain-language summary

The goal of this research study is to look for factors that influence whether or not head and neck cancer patients follow the swallowing exercises that they are asked to perform while receiving radiation treatment.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion criteria

. Are dispositioned to receive radiation with curative intent for nasopharyngeal, oropharyngeal, hypopharyngeal, laryngeal, or an unknown primary cancer with cervical metastases.
. Are stage II-IVB for oropharyngeal and laryngeal
. Are stage I-IVB for hypopharyngeal and nasopharyngeal
. At least 18 years of age
. Speak and read English
. Oriented to time, person, and place
. Have a Zubrod performance status of 0 to 2

Exclusion criteria

. Have other cancer diagnoses, except non-melanoma skin cancer
. Had treatment for previous H \& N cancer or radiation to the head and neck
. Have a history of previous head and neck surgery (excluding biopsy and/or tonsillectomy and/or tracheotomy)
. Have a current oropharyngeal dysphagia unrelated to cancer diagnosis (e.g., dysphagia due to underlying neurogenic disorder)

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Adherence to Swallowing Exercises

Timeframe: 1 day

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01844557

SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2020-12

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Head And Neck Cancer trials