New Sensor-Equipped jaw device could help cancer survivors eat and speak again

NCT ID NCT05671861

Ongoing Symptom relief Sponsor: University of California, San Francisco Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This study tests a new low-cost device designed to help people who developed lockjaw (trismus) after radiation treatment for head and neck cancer. The device is a non-invasive jaw stretcher with sensors that measure pressure and how wide the mouth opens, giving real-time feedback. Researchers hope it will improve mouth opening, eating, speech, and quality of life in 35 participants over 6 weeks.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Trismus Device Prototype (non-invasive jaw-stretching device with sensors)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could provide an affordable, sensor-guided exercise device to help head and neck cancer survivors regain mouth opening and improve eating, speech, and oral hygiene.
What could go wrong: This is a small early-stage trial with only 35 participants and no control group, so results may not apply broadly. The device may not significantly improve mouth opening or could cause discomfort.

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

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for HEAD AND NECK CANCER are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

head and neck cancer Head and Neck Neoplasms Trismus

As listed by the trial registrant

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

HEAD AND NECK CANCER TRISMUS

Contacts and locations

Locations

University of California, San Francisco

San Francisco, California, 94143, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.