Drainage fluid test may let throat cancer patients eat days earlier

NCT ID NCT06604494

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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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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.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • CH Emile Roux

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Le Puy-en-Velay, France

    Contact

    Contact

  • CH de Valence

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Valence, France

    Contact

    Contact

  • CHU de Clermont-Ferrand

    RECRUITING

    Clermont-Ferrand, France

    Contact

    Contact

  • CHU de Grenoble

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Grenoble, France

    Contact

    Contact

  • CHU de Saint-Etienne

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Saint-Etienne, France

    Contact

    Contact

  • HCL Hôpital Croix Rousse

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Lyon, France

    Contact

    Contact

  • Institut Gustave Roussy

    NOT_YET_RECRUITING

    Villejuif, France

    Contact

    Contact