None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
The main purpose of this study is to better understand how changes in treatment impact muscle wasting (also known as cachexia) in people with head and neck cancer (HNC). In particular, we are interested in understanding the blood marker GDF-15 and swelling/ulceration of the mouth or gut (known as mucositis), and the relationship with cachexia. This study is focused on people diagnosed with head and neck cancer, scheduled to undergo radiotherapy +/- chemotherapy. The study will involve the collection of blood and saliva throughout 7 weeks of radiotherapy, with some additional questionnaires completed by the participant. All assessments will be performed at routine clinic visits to decrease the burden of participating. By understanding the interaction between mucositis and cachexia, we hope to be able to identify people at risk of cachexia and direct them to appropriate care pathways early.
Interventions
The exposure of interest is people undergoing radiotherapy treatment for head and neck cancer. Participants will be monitored over the 7 weeks of their radiotherapy treatment, and at routine follow up at 3 months. If feasible, participants will also be asked to undergo an additional assessment at 12 and 24 months after completion of radiotherapy.
Participants will be asked to provide:
- Up to 6 blood samples (aligned with routine blood tests)
- Up to 6 saliva samples
- 5 questionnaires/surveys
Sponsors
University of Adelaide
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
All
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
>18 years of age Stage III and IV oropharyngeal and hypopharyngeal/laryngeal carcinoma treated with definitive chemoradiation Scheduled to receive definitive intensity modulated radiotherapy + cisplatin-based chemotherapy
Exclusion criteria
Patients treated with systemic therapy other than cisplatin
Outcome results
None listed