Can your own muscle cells fix swallowing? early trial begins

NCT ID NCT02838316

Ongoing Disease control Sponsor: Peter Belafsky, MD Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026

Summary

This early-stage trial tests whether injecting a person's own muscle cells into the tongue can safely improve swallowing problems caused by cancer treatment. The study involves 18 adults who had surgery, chemo, or radiation for oropharyngeal cancer at least two years ago. Researchers will monitor for side effects over 12 months and check if swallowing function gets better.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: Autologous muscle derived stem cells (AMDC-GIR)
What this could lead to: If successful, this could point toward a new treatment to improve swallowing in people with tongue weakness after cancer therapy.
What could go wrong: This is a very early Phase 1 safety trial with only 18 people. It is not designed to prove effectiveness, and the treatment may not improve swallowing or could cause side effects.

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.

Deglutition Disorders oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma

As listed by the trial registrant

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

OROPHARYNGEAL DYSPHAGIA

Contacts and locations

Locations

UC Davis Medical Center, Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery

Sacramento, California, 95817, United States

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