Manual Therapy in Treating Fibrosis-Related Late Effect Dysphagia in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors (NCT03612531) | Clinical Trial Compass
Active — Not RecruitingNot Applicable
Manual Therapy in Treating Fibrosis-Related Late Effect Dysphagia in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors
United States24 participantsStarted 2018-08-06
Plain-language summary
This trial studies how well manual therapy works in treating fibrosis-related late effect dysphagia in head and neck cancer survivors. Manual therapy is the use of massage and stretching exercises to increase blood flow and muscle movement in the neck, throat, jaw, and mouth, which may help to improve swallowing ability and range of motion in participants who have had treatment for head and neck cancer.
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:
* Late Dynamic Imaging Grade of Swallowing Toxicity (DIGEST) grade \>= 2 dysphagia on Modified Barium Swallow (MBS) \>= 2 years after curative-intent radiotherapy for head and neck cancer
* Grade \>= 2 Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) fibrosis
* Willing and able to return for 10 sessions over 6 weeks of therapy
Exclusion Criteria:
* Active recurrent or second primary head and neck, central nervous system, or thoracic cancer at time of enrollment
* Active osteoradionecrosis or other non-healing wounds (e.g., fistula, ulcer, soft tissue necrosis) in manual therapy (MT) regions of interest at time of enrollment
* History of subtotal or total glossectomy or total laryngectomy
* Functionally limiting cardiac, pulmonary, or neuromuscular disease
* Current tracheostomy
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.