Yoga Intervention in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Concurrent Chemo-Radiation

Feasibility Study of a Yoga Intervention in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Concurrent Chemo-Radiation

This is a randomized prospective pilot study assessing the safety and feasibility of two yoga interventions in head and neck cancer patients undergoing primary or adjuvant radiation with or without concurrent chemotherapy

Primary Objective:

- To assess the safety and feasibility of Hatha yoga in head and neck cancer patients undergoing treatment with primary or adjuvant radiation with or without chemotherapy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Locally advanced, non-metastatic, histologically confirmed malignancy involving the head and neck region

  o Larynx, pharynx, oral cavity, salivary gland, paranasal sinuses and unknown primary

• Age greater or equal to 21 years of age

• Planned for either definitive or adjuvant radiation therapy with or without chemotherapy

  o Patients may have received induction chemotherapy or primary surgical resection prior to proceeding to radiation therapy

• Ability to understand English

• Daily access to the internet

• Willing and able to sign informed consent

• Willing and able to participate in yoga sessions as outlined in the study protocol

Exclusion criteria:

• Prior head and neck cancer radiation
• Patients who in the opinion of the treating physician are physically, medically or psychologically impaired to the point that participation is not deemed appropriate or feasible