Clinical Research Directory
Browse clinical research sites, groups, and studies.
Velopharyngeal Dysfunction in Head & Neck Cancer Patients, Pilot Study
Sponsor: Vanessa Torrecillas
Summary
Some head and neck cancer survivors develop velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD), a problem with closure between the soft palate and throat that can cause nasal-sounding speech, food or liquid leaking into the nose, difficulty swallowing, and reduced quality of life. This study aims to better understand VPD in this population and to evaluate whether pharyngeal wall augmentation (plumping up the back wall of the throat) can improve speech and swallowing. Participants will undergo a multidisciplinary assessment including physical examination, flexible nasolaryngoscopy, speech recording and acoustic analysis, nasometry, clinical swallowing evaluation, and fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES). Aim 1: Determine the prevalence, severity, and functional impact of VPD in head and neck cancer survivors. Aim 2: Assess the feasibility and usefulness of advanced diagnostic tools for VPD. The investigators hypothesize that high nasalance scores (\>1 SD above normal) will accurately predict VPD with at least 75% positive predictive value and will correlate with worse communication-related quality of life (CPIB). The investigators also hypothesize that participants with VPD will have more pharyngeal residue or nasal regurgitation on FEES, and that these findings will be associated with lower swallowing-related quality of life (SWAL-QOL). Aim 3: Evaluate the effectiveness of pharyngeal wall augmentation injections for improving speech intelligibility and swallowing function. The investigators expect that this treatment will lead to measurable changes in both objective assessments and patient-reported outcomes. The results will help improve diagnosis and management of VPD in head and neck cancer survivors.
Official title: Injectable Augmentation Outcomes in Post-Radiation Head and Neck Cancer Patients With Velopharyngeal Dysfunction
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
20
Start Date
2026-01-01
Completion Date
2027-07-01
Last Updated
2025-12-04
Healthy Volunteers
No
Interventions
Pharyngeal Wall Augmentation Injection
Participants with confirmed velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD) who meet clinical criteria may elect to receive a pharyngeal wall augmentation injection. The procedure involves the submucosal injection of a biocompatible material into the posterior pharyngeal wall to improve velopharyngeal closure during speech and swallowing. Injection volume and technique will be determined by the treating clinician based on individual anatomy and functional assessment. All participants will undergo standardized assessments of speech intelligibility, nasalance, swallowing function, and patient-reported outcomes before and after the procedure. Timing: The procedure will occur once at the clinically indicated visit. Post-procedure assessments will be conducted at standardized follow-up intervals to evaluate functional outcomes
Locations (1)
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, Virginia, United States