Neurofeedback for Head and Neck Cancer Pain

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen by Sarah Prinsloo

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

This pilot trial studies how well neurofeedback training works in decreasing acute radiotherapy-induced pain in patients with head and neck cancer. Neurofeedback training is a type of therapy that uses electroencephalograph and a computer software program to measure brain wave activity. Neurofeedback training may help teach patients ways to modify their own brain waves to decrease the perception of pain and improve quality of life.

Research Team

Sarah Prinsloo

Principal Investigator

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Eligibility Criteria

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.

Inclusion Criteria

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

I do not plan to change my pain medication during the study.

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

Exclusion Criteria

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

I am currently taking antipsychotic medication.

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

Treatment Details

Interventions

• LORETA Neurofeedback Training (Behavioural Intervention)

Trial Overview 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.

Participant Groups

Group I: Supportive care (neurofeedback) Experimental Treatment 2 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.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

3,107

Recruited

1,813,000+

Dr. Peter WT Pisters

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Chief Executive Officer since 2017

MD from University of Western Ontario

Dr. Jeffrey E. Lee

M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

Chief Medical Officer

MD from Stanford University School of Medicine

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Collaborator

Trials

14,080

Recruited

41,180,000+

Dr. Douglas R. Lowy

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Chief Executive Officer since 2023

MD from New York University School of Medicine

Dr. Monica Bertagnolli

National Cancer Institute (NCI)

Chief Medical Officer since 2022

MD from Harvard Medical School