Recruiting

Testing a tongue positioning technique to reduce radiation side effects

Plain-English translation of NCT07227792 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated December 2025 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

This study doesn't follow the usual testing phases — it may be an observational study or a different type of research.

What is this trial?

This trial is testing Tongue-out Radiation Therapy (TORT), a simple positioning technique where you stick your tongue out during radiation treatment for head and neck cancer. By changing the position of your tongue during therapy, researchers believe they can reduce the amount of radiation reaching sensitive areas in your mouth and throat. The goal is to help prevent or lessen common side effects like difficulty swallowing, taste changes, and mouth sores.

Radiation therapy works well to treat head and neck cancers, but it often causes painful side effects that can last long after treatment ends and make it hard to eat and enjoy food. Researchers hope this new positioning technique could protect your mouth and throat during treatment, reducing these side effects and improving your quality of life.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you have been diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (a type of cancer) in your oropharynx, larynx, or hypopharynx
you are able to comfortably stick your tongue out and hold it in position for at least one minute
you have not had radiation therapy to your head or neck before
you have not had surgery to remove your primary tumor
you are able to read and write in English and complete questionnaires about your symptoms

You likely don't qualify if…

you have very early-stage voice box cancer that only needs radiation to the larynx
you have had prior radiation therapy to your head and neck
you have had surgery to remove your primary tumor
you have received chemotherapy or immunotherapy before your planned radiation therapy
you have cancer that has spread widely to many parts of your body

What participation looks like

You will receive radiation therapy using the tongue-out positioning technique — during each treatment, you'll hold your tongue out while receiving radiation, just as you practiced during your planning appointment. You'll continue your regular radiation schedule and attend follow-up appointments where you'll complete questionnaires about any side effects you're experiencing, such as difficulty swallowing, taste changes, or mouth soreness. The study will track how severe and long-lasting these side effects are compared to standard radiation positioning.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 4, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania