Maximizing Quality of Life After Cancer Through Rehabilitation (NCT07622407)
A Transdisciplinary Interventions to MaximizE QuaLitY of Life After Cancer Through REHABilitation (TIMELY REHAB)
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
Treatment for head and neck cancer (HNC) often includes cisplatin chemotherapy and radiation. This treatment causes hearing loss and trouble swallowing in 70% of patients. If untreated, these symptoms increase stress and lower quality of life for survivors. Veterans with HNC usually get help for swallowing. However, damage to the hearing and balance systems-known as ototoxicity-is often missed or only addressed when it becomes very severe. To fill this gap, the investigators plan a clinical trial at two VA sites. The investigators compare the usual swallowing therapy alone to a new, more comprehensive program. This new program includes: 1. the standard swallowing therapy, 2. proactive management to protect hearing and balance or manage problems that can't be prevented, and 3. other rehabilitation services based on a tele-oncology nurse's assessment. The hearing and balance intervention features quick screening tests and validated questionnaires to identify early signs of damage. These are given during cancer or radiation treatment visits to maximize convenience for the patient. Audiologists review these results remotely using tele-health technology. The investigators will also use new tools to predict and spot hearing problems that are personalized for each patient. The audiologist works closely with the patient and the care team to arrange further help if needed. The tele-oncology nurse checks for other rehabilitation needs using a screening tool validated in Veterans, shares this information with the team, and advises patients about recommended care. The investigators expect the results to show that managing hearing loss with swallowing therapy while improving care coordination for rehabilitation reduces survivors' stress and improves well-being compared to swallowing therapy alone.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC — Durham, North Carolina
Age range: 18 Years to 89 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
- TIMELY REHAB (OTHER)
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (3 Sites)
- Durham VA Medical Center, Durham, NC — Durham, North Carolina
- VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR — Portland, Oregon
- William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, WI — Madison, Wisconsin
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (503) 220-8262
Email: Dawn.Martin@va.gov
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
More studies in Head and Neck Cancer
- Window Study of Nivolumab With or Without Ipilimumab in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Oral Cavity — Boston, Massachusetts
- Imaging With a PET Agent for Detection of Cancers of the Head and Neck — New York, New York
- Study of Proton Versus Photon Beam Radiotherapy in the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer — Miami, Florida
- ASP-1929 Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) Study in Recurrent Head/Neck Cancer for Patients Who Have Failed at Least Two Lines of Therapy — Miami, Florida
- ASP-1929 Photoimmunotherapy (PIT) Study in Patients With Recurrent Head/Neck Cancer — Bethesda, Maryland
- "QUAD SHOT" Radiotherapy With Pembrolizumab in Patients With Recurrent Head & Neck Cancer — Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Explore by condition: All Head and Neck Cancer clinical trials
💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.