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EMST in Patients Undergoing CRT for HNCA

Impact of Expiratory Muscle Strength Training (EMST) on Swallowing Function in Persons Undergoing Radiotherapy With or Without Chemotherapy (CRT) for Cancers of the Head and Neck (HNCA)

Who can join

Ages 18 and older · All sexes

Inclusion Criteria:

* New diagnosis of cancer in the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, or larynx;
* Planned treatment with primary radiotherapy with or without chemotherapy;
* Age 18 or older and able to provide consent;
* Ability to use the EMST150 device (hold in mouth and maintain lip seal)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Primary surgery to the head and neck (neck dissection is permitted);
* Unknown primary tumor;
* Primary cancers of the nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses, salivary glands and skin.
* Progressive neurologic condition affecting muscle strength (e.g. amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease)
* Dysphagia not related to HNCA (e.g. unresolved swallowing difficulty post-stroke or post--traumatic brain injury (TBI))
* Prior history of head and neck radiotherapy

About the study

This study is a randomized trial examining the impact of expiratory muscle strength training (EMST) on maintenance of safe and efficient oropharyngeal swallow function in persons with cancer of the head and neck (HNCA) undergoing treatment with radiation therapy or chemoradiotherapy (RT/CRT).

What is being tested

• EMST (other)

Sponsor: University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee · Participants: 30 · Started: Jul 12, 2017

Contact the study team

• Barbara Pauloski, Ph.D. · Phone: 4142296719

Official record on ClinicalTrials.gov — NCT03916809

Locations in the U.S.

Conditions

• Head and Neck Cancer
• Swallowing Disorders
• Oropharyngeal Cancer
• Laryngeal Cancer

From ClinicalTrials.gov, data retrieved Sep 30, 2026. Each study sets its own eligibility; the study team decides who can join.