Could a simple drink replace feeding tubes for head and neck cancer patients?

NCT ID NCT07242365

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

Summary

This phase II trial tests whether Soylent, a liquid meal replacement, can help head and neck cancer patients avoid needing a feeding tube during chemoradiotherapy. About 60 patients with locally advanced cancer will drink Soylent alongside their treatment. The goal is to see if this reduces malnutrition and the need for gastrostomy tube placement.

What this could mean

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

Active substance

Soylent liquid meal replacement

What this could lead to

If it works, this could offer a simple nutritional drink to help patients avoid feeding tubes during cancer treatment.

What could go wrong

This is a small, early-phase study with only 60 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The drink may not be enough to prevent malnutrition or tube placement.

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.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for LOCALLY ADVANCED HEAD AND NECK CARCINOMA 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 carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

Contacts and locations

Locations

  • UCLA / Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center

    Los Angeles, California, 90095, United States