RecruitingObservational

Can we use ultrasound to assess the structure and size of important speech and swallowing muscles before and after radiotherapy ?

This research is looking into how radiotherapy for head and neck cancer affects the muscles you use to speak and swallow. These changes can be difficult for patients, and we don't fully understand them yet. We're using ultrasound scans to look at these muscles before and after radiotherapy. We want to see if ultrasound is a good way to check on their size and structure, and help us learn more about how they change. We also want to know what patients think about using ultrasound this way. This could help us develop better ways to support patients in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust

Enrolment target

Start

07 Mar 2025

Estimated completion

06 Jun 2026

Squamous cell carcinoma of tongue, tongue base, tonsil, oropharynx, hypopharynx or larynx, radical radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy as primary curative treatment plan.

What is this study about?

When people have radiotherapy for certain head and neck cancers, it can affect the muscles they use for speaking and swallowing. These changes can start during treatment and sometimes continue or even get worse afterwards. This can be really tough for patients, and currently, we don't know enough about exactly when or how these changes happen, or the best way to help with them.

This study aims to explore if ultrasound scans can help us understand these changes better. Ultrasound is a safe and painless way to look at the muscles in your tongue, neck, and jaw. We want to see if we can use it to measure their size and look at their structure before you start your radiotherapy treatment and then again a few months after you finish. This information could help us figure out if ultrasound is a useful tool for checking on these important muscles.

Ultimately, by understanding more about how radiotherapy affects these muscles, we hope to find ways to identify problems earlier. If we can spot changes early, it might help us suggest specific exercises or support to reduce difficulties with speaking and swallowing. We also want to hear your thoughts on using ultrasound – whether you find it acceptable and helpful.

Key takeaways

This study uses safe ultrasound scans to look at speech and swallowing muscles.
It aims to understand how radiotherapy for head and neck cancer affects these muscles.
Participation involves two ultrasound scans and some questionnaires.
There are no direct benefits to you, but it could help future patients.
The study takes place at Charing Cross Hospital and runs until June 2026.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for around 20 adult patients. To join, you must be 18 years old or older.

You need to have a specific type of head and neck cancer, called squamous cell carcinoma, in areas like your tongue, tonsil, or voice box. Your treatment plan must involve radiotherapy, or radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy, as the main way to cure your cancer, not surgery. You'll also need to be able to understand the study and agree in writing to take part.

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.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have squamous cell cancer in your tongue, tonsil, or voice box area?
Is your main cancer treatment radiotherapy, or radiotherapy with chemotherapy?
Can you understand the study information and give your consent in writing?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, you'll have two ultrasound scans. The first scan will be before you start your radiotherapy treatment. The second will be sometime between 3 and 6 months after you've finished your radiotherapy. You'll also be asked to fill out two questionnaires about your speech and swallowing before your treatment, and another questionnaire specifically about your experience with the ultrasound scans. The total time you'd be involved over the course of the study would be from before your treatment starts until 3-6 months after it finishes.

Potential risks and benefits

There are no direct personal benefits for you by taking part in this study. The ultrasound scans are safe and painless, but they will add a little extra time to your hospital visits. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without it affecting your medical care. The information we gather will help us better understand how radiotherapy affects important muscles. This could lead to earlier detection of problems and potentially better support for patients in the future, by helping doctors suggest specific exercises to improve speech and swallowing.

Locations (1)

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

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
City only
London, England

Common questions

What is an ultrasound?

An ultrasound uses sound waves to create pictures of the inside of your body. It's safe, painless, and doesn't use radiation.

How long will the ultrasound take?

The study does not specify an exact time, but it will be an extra appointment in the clinic.

Will this study change my treatment?

No, this study will not change your cancer treatment plan. It's about looking at the effects of the treatment you're already receiving.

What happens to the information I give?

All your information will be kept private and used only for research purposes to help improve care for future patients.

Can I stop participating if I change my mind?

Yes, you can leave the study at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Gemma Clunie

gemmaclunie@nhs.net +44 7764678861 Official trial record

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