RecruitingNot Applicable

Prehabilitation Protocol for Head and Neck Cancer Patients

United States60 participantsStarted 2026-05-01

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this research is to help researchers understand the barriers, supports, and preferences for prehabilitation. Prehabilitation in this study means head and neck cancer patients will receive nutritional counseling sessions and attend exercise programs before and during radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy treatment.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 80 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

. Age 18 to 80 years old
. Patients with a diagnosis of non-metastatic squamous cell carcinoma originating in the head and neck (oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, and nasopharynx).
. Patients with a plan for curative radiation therapy (RT) / chemoradiation therapy (CRT) at SCCC\* - \*Patients who underwent surgery for the HNC are still eligible.
. Clearance for exercise by the medical team.
. Patients who do not have their first treatment scheduled within 3 weeks at the time of recruitment.
. An English or Spanish speaker.

Exclusion criteria

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

Aim 2: Feasibility of Participant Engagement in Prehabilitation Prescription Program

Timeframe: Up to 18 Weeks

Aim 2: Feasibility of Participant Attendance to Scheduled Visits of the Prehabilitation Prescription Protocol

Timeframe: Up to 18 Weeks

Aim 2: Acceptability of Participants That Feel Satisfied with the Prehabilitation Prescription Protocol

Timeframe: Up to 18 Weeks

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07318220

SponsorUniversity of Miami

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-08-30

Contact for this trial

Akina Natori, MD, MSPH

(305) 243-6005 akn571@miami.edu

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Head and Neck Cancer trials

Plain-language summary

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 80 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

. Age 18 to 80 years old
. Patients with a diagnosis of non-metastatic squamous cell carcinoma originating in the head and neck (oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, and nasopharynx).
. Patients with a plan for curative radiation therapy (RT) / chemoradiation therapy (CRT) at SCCC\* - \*Patients who underwent surgery for the HNC are still eligible.
. Clearance for exercise by the medical team.
. Patients who do not have their first treatment scheduled within 3 weeks at the time of recruitment.
. An English or Spanish speaker.

Exclusion criteria

What they're measuring

Aim 2: Feasibility of Participant Engagement in Prehabilitation Prescription Program

Timeframe: Up to 18 Weeks

Aim 2: Feasibility of Participant Attendance to Scheduled Visits of the Prehabilitation Prescription Protocol

Timeframe: Up to 18 Weeks

Aim 2: Acceptability of Participants That Feel Satisfied with the Prehabilitation Prescription Protocol

Timeframe: Up to 18 Weeks