A Study Comparing the Effectiveness of Different Swallowing Therapies in People with Head and Neck Cancer Receiving Radiation Treatment

Full Title

PRO-ACTIVE: Comparing the Effectiveness of Prophylactic Swallow Intervention for Patients Receiving Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer

Purpose

Radiation therapy is a common part of treatment for head and neck cancers, but it can cause trouble swallowing (dysphagia). In this study, researchers are comparing the effectiveness of PRO-ACTIVE and RE-ACTIVE swallowing therapies. PRO-ACTIVE therapy is started before a person develops dysphagia, while RE-ACTIVE therapy is started after dysphagia develops.

Patients in this study will be randomly assigned to one of three groups:

• RE-ACTIVE therapy that involves both eating and swallowing exercises
• Low-intensity PRO-ACTIVE therapy that focuses on only on eating exercises to keep the swallowing muscles active
• High-intensity PRO-ACTIVE therapy that involves both eating and swallowing exercises

Eligibility

To be eligible for this study, patients must meet several criteria, including but not limited to the following:

• Patients must have head and neck cancer and be planning to receive radiation therapy.
• Patients may not have previously received swallowing therapy for the current head and neck cancer, nor may they have metastatic cancer.
• This study is for patients age 18 and older.

For more information about this study, please contact Dr. Jennifer Cracchiolo at 212-639-8420.