Throat plumping injection could give cancer survivors their voice back

NCT ID NCT07264036

Recruiting now Symptom relief Sponsor: Vanessa Torrecillas Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

Some head and neck cancer survivors develop velopharyngeal dysfunction (VPD), where the soft palate doesn't close properly, causing nasal-sounding speech and trouble swallowing. This study tests a simple injection that plumps up the back of the throat to improve closure. Researchers will enroll 20 adults and measure changes in speech, swallowing, and quality of life.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: pharyngeal wall augmentation injection (biocompatible material)
What this could lead to: If it works, this injection could offer a simple, minimally invasive way to improve speech clarity and swallowing safety in head and neck cancer survivors.
What could go wrong: This is a very small, early study (20 people) with no control group, so results may not apply widely. The injection is a procedure, not a drug, and long-term effects are unknown.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

congenital velopharyngeal incompetence Deglutition Disorders head and neck cancer Head and Neck Neoplasms speech disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

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

DYSPHAGIA HEAD AND NECK CANCER SPEECH DISORDER SURVIVORSHIP VELOPHARYNGEAL INSUFFICIENCY

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of Virginia
RECRUITING

Charlottesville, Virginia, 22903, United States

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