Early swallowing and speech therapy for head and neck cancer patients having surgery
Tests early swallowing and speech therapy in adults with head and neck cancer having surgery.
Plain-language title generated from the registry record
Registry title: Feasibility of Early Swallowing and Speech Intervention for Head and Neck Cancer Patients Treated SURGically
Key facts
- Where
- Toronto, CanadaSee the site
Where in Canada
- University Health NetworkToronto, CanadaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- University Health Network, Toronto
- Trial code
- NCT06192771
- Record updated
- 3 June 2026
- Original description
Oral cavity cancer (OCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with tongue cancer being one of the most common subtypes. Patients with oral cancers can experience painful swallowing, swallowing difficulty (dysphagia), and associated weight loss long after surgery. Not only is dysphagia an independent predictor of quality of life (QoL) in cancer survivorship, it can also have a devastating impact on the health of patients resulting from complications such as pneumonia, malnutrition and feeding tube dependence. Emerging evidence suggests that patients undergoing surgery benefit from engaging with speech-language pathologists (SLPs) before problems arise, to learn swallow strategies that may become useful in their rehabilitation. This in turn has the potential to reduce complications and minimize the length of feeding tube dependency.Read full original descriptionShow less
Feasibility of Early Swallowing and Speech Intervention for Head and Neck Cancer Patients Treated SURGically
Oral cavity cancer (OCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide, with tongue cancer being one of the most common subtypes. Patients with oral cancers can experience painful swallowing, swallowing difficulty (dysphagia), and associated weight loss long after surgery. Not only is dysphagia an independent predictor of quality of life (QoL) in cancer survivorship, it can also have a devastating impact on the health of patients resulting from complications such as pneumonia, malnutrition and feeding tube dependence. Emerging evidence suggests that patients undergoing surgery benefit from engaging with speech-language pathologists (SLPs) before problems arise, to learn swallow strategies that may become useful in their rehabilitation. This in turn has the potential to reduce complications and minimize the length of feeding tube dependency.
This study will assess the feasibility of conducting a prospective clinical trial that would evaluate the effects on patient health, function and overall benefit of early and systematic SLP speech and swallowing intervention for head and neck cancer patients planned for curative surgical treatment. We will also assess long-term changes in select clinical and patient-reported outcomes comparing their status before, and one month after, treatment.
Inclusion: Newly diagnosed patients with at least T2 stage tongue SCC who are planned for partial glossectomy and free flap reconstruction and are anticipated to achieve a post-operative independent oral intake; Proficient in spoken and written English.
Exclusion: Patients who are planned for total glossectomy.