NCT04112940

Physiological Flow of Liquids in Head and Neck Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study

• Status: Completed
• Phase: —
• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 12 (actual)
• Sponsor: University Health Network, Toronto · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 100 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

This study is part of a larger grant, for which the overall goal is to collect measurements of liquid flow through the oropharynx (i.e., mouth and throat) during swallowing. The focus of this study is to evaluate the flow of liquids of varying consistency in the head and neck cancer population.

Detailed description

Thickened liquids are commonly used as an intervention for dysphagia (swallowing impairment). However, the field lacks a clear understanding of how liquids of different consistencies behave during swallowing. In order to improve understanding of the effectiveness of altered liquid consistency for improving dysphagia, the investigators are studying liquid flow through the oropharynx. This study explores this question in individuals who have undergone radiation treatment for head and neck cancer, specifically located in the oropharynx. Participants will swallow 20% w/v barium thickened to different consistencies (thin, slightly thick, and mildly thick) using commercially available food thickeners. Swallowing will be observed under videofluoroscopy.

Conditions

• Deglutition Disorders
• Oropharynx Cancer

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Starch-based Thickened Liquids	Barium will be thickened to slightly, mildly, moderately and extremely thick consistences as defined by the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative flow test.
OTHER	Xanthan-gum Thickened Liquids	Barium will be thickened to slightly, mildly, moderately and extremely thick consistences as defined by the International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative flow test.

Timeline

• Start date: 2016-12-19
• Primary completion: 2019-12-31
• Completion: 2021-03-30
• First posted: 2019-10-02
• Last updated: 2023-04-07
• Results posted: 2022-07-13

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Canada