Drainage fluid test may let throat cancer patients eat days earlier

NCT ID NCT06604494

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: University Hospital, Clermont-Ferrand Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026

Summary

This study tests whether measuring certain immune markers (cytokines) in drainage fluid after throat cancer surgery can identify patients at low risk of developing a fistula (an abnormal opening). If the test shows low risk, patients may be allowed to start eating on day 3 or 4 instead of the usual day 7. The goal is to see if early feeding reduces hospital stay and improves quality of life without increasing complications. The trial will enroll 250 adults scheduled for total laryngectomy or pharyngolaryngectomy.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: early feeding resumption (behavioral intervention)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could allow some throat cancer patients to start eating sooner after surgery, shortening hospital stays and improving quality of life without increasing fistula risk.
What could go wrong: This is a relatively small, early-phase study. The cytokine test may not reliably predict fistula risk, and early feeding could still lead to complications in some patients.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

head and neck cancer Otorhinolaryngologic Neoplasms

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

CANCER, OTORHINOLARYNGEAL

Contacts and locations

Locations

CH Emile Roux
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Le Puy-en-Velay, France
CH de Valence
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Valence, France
CHU de Clermont-Ferrand
RECRUITING

Clermont-Ferrand, France
CHU de Grenoble
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Grenoble, France
CHU de Saint-Etienne
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Saint-Etienne, France
HCL Hôpital Croix Rousse
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Lyon, France
Institut Gustave Roussy
NOT_YET_RECRUITING

Villejuif, France