Head and Neck Cancer Rehabilitation: The CaRe Feasibility Study

Introduction: As both the number of cancer survivors and the length of survival time are increasing, long-term health issues related to cancer and its treatment are becoming more prevalent. Research suggests that exercise can mitigate a number of negative health consequences of head and neck cancer and improve physical function and quality of life. Multi-modal exercise interventions have been proposed as a cornerstone for survivorship care. However, studies evaluating exercise programmes in head and neck cancer populations are lacking.

Purpose: To evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a multi-modal exercise rehabilitation programme for survivors of head and neck cancer in a real-world, standard practice setting.

Methods and analysis: In this single-arm prospective feasibility study, survivors of head and neck cancer (n=29) will undergo a 10-week multi-modal exercise programme. The study population will comprise of cancer survivors attending outpatient services in an Irish national cancer centre. Participants will be aged 18 or older and have completed treatment with curative intent.

Feasibility will be evaluated in terms of recruitment, adherence and compliance to the programme. Secondary outcomes will examine physical function and quality of life measures. In addition, the acceptability of the programme will be assessed through patient feedback.

Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval is pending from the St. James's Hospital and Tallaght University Hospital Research and Ethics Committee. The study results will be used to optimise the intervention content, and may serve as the foundation for a larger definitive trial. Results will be disseminated through peer-review journals, congresses and relevant clinical groups.