RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

The Effects on Auditory Function of RADiotherapy and Chemotherapy Treatments for Head and Neck Tumours (EARAD)

If you are having treatment for head and neck cancer, this study aims to understand how radiotherapy and chemotherapy might affect your hearing. Many people experience hearing changes or ringing in their ears after treatment, which can be upsetting. Researchers will use special hearing tests before and after treatment to see how hearing is impacted. They will also look at your treatment details to find out which parts of the ear are most sensitive to these therapies. The main goal is to find ways to reduce hearing damage in the future, so that patients can have effective cancer treatment with fewer side effects on their hearing. This could lead to better quality of life for people undergoing these treatments.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Manchester

Enrolment target

100

Start

01 May 2019

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Head and Neck Neoplasms Hearing Loss

What is this study about?

Treatments for head and neck cancer, such as radiotherapy (using radiation to kill cancer cells) and chemotherapy (using powerful drugs), are very effective at fighting tumours. However, a common side effect of these treatments can be changes to hearing, including hearing loss or experiencing ringing in the ears, known as tinnitus. These changes can really affect a person's quality of life.

This study is designed to get a much clearer picture of exactly how these treatments impact hearing. Researchers will use very detailed hearing tests, including some that look at tiny parts of the ear, like hair cells and nerves, both before and after cancer treatment. By carefully linking these hearing test results with information about the specific radiotherapy doses and whether chemotherapy was also given, they hope to pinpoint which parts of the ear are most vulnerable to damage.

The main aim is to discover how to give effective cancer treatment while protecting your hearing as much as possible. The information gathered from this study will be used to develop new guidelines for doctors. These guidelines could help them adjust radiation doses to specific parts of the ear in the future, helping to reduce the risk of hearing loss and improve life for patients undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer.

Key takeaways

This study investigates hearing changes after head and neck cancer treatment.
It aims to understand why hearing loss and tinnitus occur.
Specialised hearing tests will be conducted before and after treatment.
The goal is to develop ways to protect hearing during future treatments.
It focuses on radiotherapy and specific chemotherapy (cisplatin).

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for a few different groups of people.

If you have recently been diagnosed with head and neck cancer and your doctors have decided you will have radiotherapy, with or without a specific type of chemotherapy called cisplatin, you might be able to join. However, you can't have significant hearing loss already, and your doctor shouldn't have decided on a different type of chemotherapy called carboplatin. You also need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part.

The study also includes people who have already had head and neck cancer treatment, specifically radiotherapy to one side of their head, in the last five years, with or without cisplatin chemotherapy. Again, those who had carboplatin chemotherapy or can't agree to take part can't join. There are also groups of people with normal hearing or some hearing loss who haven't had cancer to compare the results with.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Have I been diagnosed with head and neck cancer?
Has my doctor decided I will have radiotherapy, with or without cisplatin chemotherapy?
Do I not have significant hearing loss currently (I don't use a hearing aid)?
Am I not planning to have carboplatin chemotherapy?
Am I able to understand what the study involves and agree to take part?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you will have detailed hearing tests both before and after your cancer treatment. These tests are special and go beyond routine hearing checks to look closely at different parts of your ear's function. The study team will also collect information about your specific radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments. The exact number of visits and the full duration of your participation will depend on your treatment plan and which part of the study you are involved in. The team will explain this fully to you.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study will help researchers understand hearing changes from cancer treatments, potentially leading to better protection for future patients. There are no direct medical benefits to you from participating, and the hearing tests are non-invasive and generally safe, though they might take some extra time. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your medical care in any way.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Manchester, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is head and neck cancer?

Head and neck cancer refers to a group of cancers that start in the head and neck region, including the mouth, throat, voice box, and salivary glands.

What is radiotherapy?

Radiotherapy is a cancer treatment that uses high-energy rays, like X-rays, to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours. It can be given externally (from outside the body) or internally (from inside the body).

What is chemotherapy?

Chemotherapy uses strong medicines to kill cancer cells. It can be given through a vein or as tablets/capsules.

What does 'tinnitus' mean?

Tinnitus is the medical term for hearing a ringing, buzzing, humming, or other noise in one or both ears that isn't coming from an outside source.

Will taking part affect my cancer treatment?

No, your cancer treatment decisions will be made by your medical team as normal. This study simply monitors the effects of your planned treatment on your hearing.

How to find out more

Chris Plack, PhD

chris.plack@manchester.ac.uk +44(161)275 3394 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.