EMST in Patients Undergoing CRT for HNCA

Summary

This study is a randomized trial examining the impact of expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) on maintenance of safe and efficient oropharyngeal swallow function in persons with cancer of the head and neck (HNCA) undergoing treatment with radiation therapy or chemoradiotherapy (RT/CRT).

Eligibility

Inclusion Criteria:

* New diagnosis of cancer in the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx;
* Planned treatment with primary radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy;
* Age 18 or older and able to provide consent;
* Ability to use the EMST150 device (hold in mouth and maintain lip seal)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Primary surgery to the head and neck (neck dissection is permitted);
* Unknown primary tumor;
* Primary cancers of the nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands and skin.
* Progressive neurologic condition affecting muscle strength (e.g. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease)
* Dysphagia not related to HNCA (e.g. unresolved swallowing difficulty post-stroke or post--traumatic brain injury (TBI))
* Prior history of head and neck radiotherapy

Conditions3

Locations2 sites

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