DENTOFACIAL-PBT Stage 2 - Feasibility Study
The DENTOFACIAL-PBT study investigates how proton beam therapy (PBT), a type of cancer treatment, affects the teeth and jaws of children and teenagers with head and neck cancer. While PBT is very good at targeting cancer, it can sometimes affect healthy parts of the body nearby. This research aims to understand how often and why problems with dental development or jaw growth might occur in young cancer survivors who had PBT. Researchers will gather information from past patients in the UK and those treated overseas through surveys, interviews, and dental records. The goal is to improve how these potential side effects are monitored and help doctors and dentists work together for better patient care.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research project, called DENTOFACIAL-PBT, is all about understanding how a special type of cancer treatment called proton beam therapy (PBT) affects the teeth and jaws of children and teenagers. PBT is a very advanced form of radiotherapy that is often used for cancers in the head and neck area because it can target tumours very precisely, helping to protect healthy tissues nearby. However, even with this precision, sometimes the developing teeth and jaws can be affected, especially in young patients whose bodies are still growing.
The main goal of this particular stage of the study is to find out how common these dental and jaw-related issues, sometimes called 'toxicities' or side effects, have been in children and teenagers who have already had PBT for head and neck cancer. The researchers want to learn if these side effects are linked to things like the patient's age when they had treatment, the exact location of their cancer, or the amount of radiation dose their teeth and jaws received. By gathering this information, they hope to get a clearer picture of the challenges young survivors might face.
Ultimately, the knowledge gained from this study is crucial for improving future care. It will help develop better ways to monitor and manage these potential issues. The research team also plans to create a new tool that will make it easier for dentists, cancer doctors, and patients to talk about and track any changes or problems with teeth and jaws after PBT. This will ensure that potential side effects are spotted early and managed effectively, helping young patients maintain the best possible dental and facial health as they grow.
Key takeaways
- Exploring dental and jaw side effects of proton beam therapy in children.
- Aims to understand how common these side effects are and what causes them.
- Involves surveys, interviews, and dental record reviews.
- Information will help improve future care and monitoring for young cancer survivors.
- Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research.
Who may be eligible?
This study is looking for children and young people who have previously had head and neck cancer and were treated with proton beam therapy (PBT). You could be considered if your cancer was located in areas like the mouth, throat, voice box, sinuses, or salivary glands.
To join, you must have been 15 years old or younger when you received PBT, and your treatment must have finished more than a year ago. You also need to be at least 2 years old now. Your PBT treatment would have taken place either at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester or through the NHS Proton Overseas Programme.
Parents or legal guardians can provide consent for children under 16 to take part. The study can also support participation in several languages, including English, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, and Turkish.
- Were you diagnosed with head and neck cancer as a child?
- Did you receive proton beam therapy (PBT) as part of your treatment?
- Were you 15 years old or younger when you had your PBT treatment?
- Has it been more than 12 months since you finished your PBT?
- Are you currently at least 2 years old?
- Were you treated in Manchester (The Christie) or overseas through an NHS programme?
This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, the first step involves completing a survey. This survey will ask questions about your teeth and jaws before and after your proton beam therapy. If you're interested and found eligible, you might then be invited to the next stage, which is a 'mixed-methods feasibility study.'
This next stage could involve a few different things. You might be asked to take part in an online interview where you can share more about your experiences. Some participants may also have dental assessments, and with your permission, information about your dental health could be collected from your own dentist. The researchers will then combine this information with details about your cancer treatment, specifically how much radiation dose your teeth and jaw bones received. The total duration of your involvement would depend on which parts of the study you participate in, but the initial survey is a one-time completion.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Manchester University NHS Foundation TrustManchester, United Kingdom
- The Christie NHS Foundation TrustManchester, United Kingdom
Common questions
What is proton beam therapy?
Proton beam therapy is a very precise type of radiation treatment used for cancer that targets tumours while trying to protect nearby healthy tissues.
What kind of side effects are you looking for?
We are looking at potential side effects specifically affecting the teeth and jaws, such as problems with tooth development or jaw growth, after proton beam therapy.
Who is funding this research?
This research project is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR).
Do I have to live in Manchester to take part?
No, you don't have to live in Manchester. We are including patients treated at The Christie PBT centre or those treated overseas as part of the NHS Proton Overseas Programme.
What will happen with the information I provide?
The information will help researchers understand how proton beam therapy affects young patients' dental health, which will improve future care and monitoring for others.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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