ChemoRad-HNC
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Physiological changes during chemoradiotherapy for HPV-related oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma
IRAS ID
334426
Contact name
Rhona C F Sinclair
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
Patients with oropharyngeal cancer can feel unwell and excessively tired during their chemoradiotherapy treatment. These effects can last for a long time after treatment has finished. We intend to conduct research to find out how and why this happens.
We can use a special type of exercise test, called a cardiopulmonary exercise test, to see how the heart, lungs, and muscles respond to exercise. The test is performed on an indoor bike and lasts a maximum of 20 minutes. The results tell us how well a person's body uses oxygen to produce energy. This might tell us more about what exactly causes excessive tiredness during and after chemoradiotherapy.
We will ask up to 30 patients with oropharyngeal cancer to take part in our study. Patients who take part will be required to make three separate visits to the Clinical Research Facility in the Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne. The first visit will take place before starting chemoradiotherapy. The second visit will take place within 2 weeks of finishing chemoradiotherapy, and the third visit will take place 2 months after finishing chemoradiotherapy. During each study visit, we will ask patients to undertake a cardiopulmonary exercise test and a test of hand grip strength. We will also ask patients to complete some short questionnaires about tiredness, physical activity, and their overall wellbeing. Each visit will last around 60 minutes.
We will use findings from this research to come up with better ways of helping patients manage the negative side effects of chemoradiotherapy.
REC name
London - City & East Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/PR/0040
Date of REC Opinion
5 Feb 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion