Study of Neurocognitive Tests and Questionnaires for Head and Neck Cancer Patients Undergoing Radiation Therapy
This study is looking at how radiation therapy for head and neck cancer might affect your thinking and memory skills (neurocognitive function). Researchers want to see if people with head and neck cancer, specifically certain types like nasopharynx or oral cavity cancer, who are receiving radiation therapy can complete a series of neurocognitive tests and questionnaires. These include tests like the WRAT Reading Test and questionnaires about your health and feelings. The study aims to recruit 60 participants aged 18 to 89 years old who have been diagnosed with head and neck cancer. The main goal is to see how many newly diagnosed patients can be recruited and stay in the study for one year.
- Study design
- This is an observational study, meaning researchers will collect information without giving you a specific treatment. It plans to include 60 participants.
- What's involved
- You would complete neurocognitive tests and questionnaires at three different times over a one-year period.
- Compensation
- Not stated in the trial record.
- Follow-up
- Participants will be followed for one year to see how many stay in the study.
AI-generated from the public study record. Only the study team can confirm whether you're eligible — confirm details with them before making decisions.
NCT05207098
A Study of Neurocognitive Tests and Questionnaires for People With Head and Neck Cancer Who Are Undergoing Radiation Therapy
Recruiting
Not specifiedAges 18–89ObservationalMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterInvestigator-initiated
~60 participants
Updated 2026-06-05 on ClinicalTrials.gov
What's tested:Neurocognitive TestsQuestionnaires
At a glance
Recruiting sites
7 of 7 listed sites are recruiting right now
RecruitingSuspended, closed, or not yet open
What they're measuring
Number of newly diagnosed head and neck cancer patients recruited and retained on study
Measured over 1 year
Conditions
Where it's being run
7 sites across 2 statesNew York4
New Jersey3
Study leadership
- Jonine Bernstein, PhD · PRINCIPAL_INVESTIGATOR · Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Who to contact
Opens a ready-to-send draft in your own email app — review before sending.
Do you actually qualify for this trial?
Add a private profile and we'll compare every criterion below against your situation — and tell you which ones are met, uncertain, or excluding.
Eligibility criteria
Inclusion
Pathologically proven diagnosis of a head and neck cancer, specifically these subtypes: nasopharynx, maxillary sinus, tonsil, base of the tongue, oral cavity, or larynx/hypopharynx, oropharynx, cancer of unknown primary, or salivary gland.
Ages ≥ 18 and \<89 at time of diagnosis.
Recently diagnosed with their initial head and neck cancer and able to be consented prior to OR within first week of starting standard of care radiation therapy.
Baseline simulation whole-brain MRI or CT available as part of standard of care.
Patients diagnosed with cancer, no distant metastases.
Karnofsky Performance Status of \>= 70 or comparable ECOG performance at enrollment.
As per self-report, if currently taking psychoactive medications (excluding gabapentin and including but not limited to antidepressants, and anxiolytics) on a daily basis, dose must have been stable for at least two months prior to enrollment.
English fluent as per self-reported fluency of "well' or "very well", and having a reasonable comprehension of the study conversation in the opinion of the research staff).\*\* \*\* Language verification: Prior to enrollment, all patients will be asked the following two questions by the CRC to verify English fluency necessary for participation in the study:
Exclusion
Patients with multiple primary head and neck cancers, carcinoma of unknown primary, or recurrence.
Patients who previously received radiation therapy to the head and neck region as treatment for any prior cancer for any other non-cancerous condition.
Patients who had chemotherapy within two years prior to their recent diagnosis of head and neck cancer, such as patients who received chemotherapy as treatment for any other type of cancer or received neoadjuvant chemotherapy prior to surgery to treat their recent head and neck diagnosis. Patients who receive induction chemotherapy just prior to the start of their radiation therapy or receive concurrent chemotherapy to treat their recent head and neck diagnosis are allowed
At the discretion of the clinician, patients who are unable to comfortably speak due to symptoms of their cancer or treatment, such as surgery.
Pre-existing diagnosis of neurodegenerative disorder that affects cognitive function (e.g. Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Multiple Sclerosis, Dementia, Seizure Disorders, etc.).
As per medical record or self-report, history of stroke or head injury requiring medical care, confirmed structural lesion on neuroimaging, and persistent cognitive difficulties impacting work or daily life or required cognitive rehabilitation.
Pre-existing diagnosis of a Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder, substance use disorder, Bipolar Disorder or Schizotypal personality disorder. Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders include Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform disorder, Schizoaffective disorder, Delusional disorder, Brief psychotic disorder, and Attenuated Psychotic Disorder.
Pre-existing visual or auditory impairment that would preclude ability to complete the assessments (e.g. history of significant macular degeneration or being unable to correct hearing with hearing aids)
What this trial measures
- Number of newly diagnosed head and neck cancer patients recruited and retained on study1 year
have complete the neurocognitive testing