RecruitingInterventional

Nutritional prehabilitation in head and neck cancer

Treatments for head and neck cancer, such as radiotherapy, can cause severe throat pain, dry mouth, and swallowing problems. Because of this, many people lose a lot of weight and feel weak during their care. 'Prehabilitation' means offering healthy nutrition and wellbeing advice before treatment begins, helping patients stay as strong as possible. This research project, run by the University of Liverpool, has two stages. First, people who have finished cancer treatment, their family carers, and healthcare staff will join workshops to design a supportive nutrition plan called Co-ENHANCE. Second, newly diagnosed patients preparing for curative radiotherapy will test this plan during their regular dietitian visits. The goal is to see if this early advice is practical and helps people manage eating difficulties. Taking part helps shape better cancer support for the future without changing your planned medical care.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Liverpool

Enrolment target

Start

29 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

29 May 2027

Head and neck cancer

What is this study about?

Each year, more than 12,000 people in the UK are diagnosed with head and neck cancer. Treatment often involves daily radiotherapy for several weeks. While this therapy is designed to cure the cancer, it can cause difficult side effects in the mouth and throat, including severe soreness and trouble swallowing. Many people find it hard to eat enough food, leading to rapid weight loss and weakness that can make recovery much harder.

Doctors and nurses believe that stepping in early can make a big difference. This approach is called 'prehabilitation'. By providing expert dietary guidance, physical advice, and emotional support before radiotherapy starts, patients may be better prepared to cope with side effects and maintain their strength throughout treatment.

To make sure this support truly meets patient needs, researchers are creating a new programme called Co-ENHANCE. The study first gathers past patients, carers, and NHS specialists together in workshops to share their real-life experiences and build the care plan together. Afterwards, the team will test the new programme with newly diagnosed patients to see how easy and helpful it is to use in everyday NHS clinics.

Key takeaways

Focuses on nutrition support before radiotherapy starts to help prevent extreme weight loss and weakness.
Brings patients, carers, and NHS professionals together to design the support programme.
Open to adults preparing for curative radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, as well as past patients and carers.
Involves dietary advice and discussions rather than new medications.
Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) and run by the University of Liverpool.

Who may be eligible?

This study has two different parts, and each has its own eligibility rules:

Part 1 (Workshops): You can take part if you are an adult living in the UK who has completed treatment for head and neck cancer, or if you care for someone who has. Healthcare professionals who work with head and neck cancer—such as dietitians, nurses, speech therapists, and cancer doctors—can also join. Participants must be able to give informed consent and take part in English without an interpreter.

Part 2 (Testing the Programme): You may be eligible if you are aged 18 or older, have recently been diagnosed with head and neck cancer, and are due to receive radiotherapy (with or without chemotherapy) aiming to cure the cancer. You must be able to understand the study and make your own choice to join.

You cannot take part in the testing stage if you are receiving palliative care (treatment focused only on comfort rather than a cure), if you need to be admitted to hospital for urgent medical care, or if you have a medical condition called refeeding syndrome, which requires specialised hospital feeding.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you aged 18 or older and living in the UK?
Have you finished treatment for head and neck cancer, or do you care for someone who has? (For Part 1)
Are you newly diagnosed and preparing for radiotherapy aimed at curing your cancer? (For Part 2)
Are you able to make your own decision to take part and give consent?
Are you receiving curative treatment rather than palliative care alone?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

What you do depends on which part of the study you join. If you join the workshop group, you will attend group discussions alongside other patients, carers, and NHS cancer specialists. You will talk about the difficulties of eating and drinking during cancer care and help design the new support package.

If you take part in the testing group, you will receive the new Co-ENHANCE nutritional guidance during your usual appointments with an NHS dietitian before your radiotherapy starts. There are no experimental drugs involved. You may also have a simple, painless body composition check to measure your muscle and fat levels. At the end, you may be invited to a short interview to share your thoughts on the support you received. The whole study runs from September 2025 to August 2027.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part offers the chance to learn practical ways to protect your nutrition, feel more prepared for radiotherapy, and help improve NHS cancer services for future families. However, talking about cancer experiences in workshops can sometimes feel emotional, and attending extra study discussions requires some time and effort. Body composition checks are not suitable for anyone who is pregnant or has an implanted medical device like a pacemaker. Taking part is completely voluntary, and you can change your mind and leave the study at any point without your standard NHS medical care being affected.

Locations (3)

Liverpool University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Liverpool, England
The Clatterbridge Cancer Centre NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Wirral, England
Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust
Approximate
Prescot, England

Common questions

Does this trial test a new medicine or drug?

No. This study tests practical nutrition advice and support. It does not involve any experimental medications.

Will taking part delay or change my cancer treatment?

No. Your planned radiotherapy and any other medical treatments will carry on exactly as scheduled by your doctor.

Do I have to pay to take part?

No. Taking part in NHS and university research is free.

What if I feel upset talking about my cancer journey in the workshops?

The study team understands that cancer is a sensitive topic. You only have to share what you feel comfortable with, and you can take a break or stop at any time.

Can I leave the study if it becomes too much for me?

Yes. You are free to withdraw at any time. Your decision will never affect the care or support you receive from your NHS team.

How to find out more

Linda Cantwell

linda.cantwell@liverpool.ac.uk +44 (0)1513518550 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.