REMIX
Research type
Research Study
Full title
MEASUREMENT PROPERTIES OF PATIENT-RATED OUTCOME MEASURES IN RADIOTHERAPY INDUCED XEROSTOMIA
IRAS ID
215186
Contact name
Stefano Fedele
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Joint research office, UCL
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 6 months, 31 days
Research summary
Dry mouth is one of the most common complications of cancer radiotherapy to the head and neck. It is also known as radiotherapy-induced xerostomia (RIX). RIX is debilitating condition as it is irreversible and can interfere with important oral functions, such as chewing, swallowing, and speaking. It can also incrase the risk of dental and oral infections. Overall it can reduce the quality of life (QoL) of affected individuals.
Doctors cannot assess easily the severity of RIX, as dry mouth is a symptom perceived by patients. It is however possible to use dedicated questionnaires that ask questions about the intensity and consequences of having a dry mouth. A number of questionnaires have been used in the past to assess RIX. It is however unclear whether they were developed rigorously.
We have previously conducted a systematic review of the literature on this topic and concluded that the vast majority of questionnaires used in the past were not tested accurately.
Therefore, the present study aims at re-testing rigorously these questionnaires in order to identify the questionnaires that are most appropriate to use in clinical practice, so to assess the intensity of RIX.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
17/SC/0485
Date of REC Opinion
5 Sep 2017
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion