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Behavioural Intervention

Neurofeedback for Head and Neck Cancer Pain

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Sarah Prinsloo

Research Sponsored by M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Patients must not have pain > 2 on a scale of 0 - 10 (self report) in the head and neck before starting radiotherapy

Scheduled to undergo a 6 week course of radiotherapy for head and neck cancer

Must not have

Patients with active central nervous system (CNS) disease, such as clinically-evident metastases or leptomeningeal disease, dementia, or encephalopathy

Patients who are taking any antipsychotic medications

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up up to 5 years

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial is testing neurofeedback training to see if it can help decrease pain caused by radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for English-speaking individuals with head and neck cancer, who are about to start a 6-week radiotherapy course and currently have low pain levels. They must consent to the study's protocol and not plan on changing their pain medication during the study. Those with chronic pain, mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, seizure disorders, or active brain diseases cannot participate.

What is being tested?

The trial is testing neurofeedback training—a therapy that uses brain wave activity measurements to potentially reduce acute pain caused by radiotherapy in head and neck cancer patients. Participants will learn how to alter their own brain waves to lessen pain perception.

What are the potential side effects?

Since neurofeedback involves non-invasive brain activity monitoring and training without medications, it typically does not produce side effects. However, some participants might experience discomfort from wearing sensors or fatigue after sessions.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion Criteria

You may be eligible if you check “Yes” for the criteria below

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My head or neck pain is 2 or less on a scale of 0 to 10.

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I am set to start a 6-week radiotherapy for my head or neck cancer.

Exclusion Criteria

You may be eligible for the trial if you check “No” for criteria below:

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I do not have active brain metastases or severe brain disorders.

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I am currently taking antipsychotic medication.

Select...

I have chronic pain in my head or neck that requires painkillers.

Select...

I have a history of seizures.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ up to 5 years

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~up to 5 years

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and up to 5 years for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Primary study objectives

EEG

Neurofeeback (LORETA)

Secondary study objectives

Malignant Neoplasms

Pain medication use

The Brief Pain Inventory (Short Form)

+3 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Supportive care (neurofeedback)Experimental Treatment2 Interventions

Beginning at weeks 4 and 5 or 5 and 6 of radiotherapy, patients undergo neurofeedback training QID TIW for up to 6 treatments. Patients also complete questionnaires over 10 minutes at baseline and after neurofeedback training.

0 / 6Eligibility criteria met