Manual Therapy for Swallowing Difficulty in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors (MANTLE Trial)

Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byKatherine A. Hutcheson

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May be covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: N/A

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

No Placebo Group

Approved in 1 jurisdiction

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?This trial studies how well manual therapy works in treating fibrosis-related late effect dysphagia in head and neck cancer survivors. Manual therapy is the use of massage and stretching exercises to increase blood flow and muscle movement in the neck, throat, jaw, and mouth, which may help to improve swallowing ability and range of motion in participants who have had treatment for head and neck cancer.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for head and neck cancer survivors who have trouble swallowing (dysphagia) due to fibrosis from past treatments. Participants must be able to attend 10 therapy sessions over 6 weeks, have a certain level of fibrosis and swallowing difficulty as assessed by medical criteria, and be at least two years post-radiotherapy. Those with tracheostomies, non-healing wounds in the treatment area, active cancers or extensive surgery history affecting the mouth or throat are excluded.

Treatment Details

The study is testing manual therapy—a form of physical therapy involving massage and stretching exercises—on its effectiveness in improving blood flow, muscle movement, swallowing ability, and range of motion for those suffering from dysphagia caused by fibrosis after head and neck cancer treatment.

1Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Group I: Supportive Care (manual therapy)Experimental Treatment1 Intervention

Participants receive 10 manual therapy sessions performed by a speech pathologist during weeks 1-6. After completion of 6 weeks of therapy, participants perform manual therapy at home daily for 6 weeks.