Randomized Study Regarding Preventive Jaw- and Swallowing Intervention for Patients With Head and Neck Cancer

Preventive Randomized Study Regarding Jaw- and Swallowing Intervention for Patients Receiving Radiotherapy for Head and Neck Cancer: the Effect of Preventive Intervention for Trismus, Swallowing Function and Quality of Life

The study includes patients with tumors of the oropharynx, larynx and hypopharynx scheduled to receive radiotherapy with curative intent (+/- chemotherapy). The patients will be randomized into either an intervention group (performing a preventive jaw- and swallowing exercise protocol before and during radiotherapy) or a control group no performing a exercise protocol. All patients will be encouraged to eat or drink for as long as possible during the therapy. All patients will meet with a speech-language therapist weekly during radiotherapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Head and neck cancer (tumors of the oropharynx, pharynx, hypopharynx and larynx)
• Receiving radiohterpay (+/- chemotherapy) with curative intent
• No previous trismus or dysphagia

Exclusion Criteria:

• Surgery due to head and neck cancer
• Previous treatment for head and neck cancer
• Tracheostomized patients
• No teeth
• Inability to perform exercise intervention
• Inability to independently fill out questionnaires in Swedish
• Previous neurologic or neuromuscular disease