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Barium Sulfate

This article explores the use of Barium Sulfate in clinical trials, specifically focusing on its role in a study involving advanced head and neck cancer patients. The trial aims to assess patient-reported outcomes related to swallowing and quality of life after different approaches to feeding tube placement during chemoradiotherapy treatment.

Table of Contents

What is Barium Sulfate?

Barium sulfate is a chemical compound used in medical imaging procedures. It’s not a medication that treats diseases directly, but rather a diagnostic aid that helps doctors visualize certain parts of your body[1]. In the context of head and neck cancer, barium sulfate plays a crucial role in assessing a patient’s ability to swallow and in evaluating the extent of the cancer.

Medical Use in Head and Neck Cancer

In patients with head and neck cancer, particularly those with oropharyngeal cancer (cancer in the middle part of the throat), barium sulfate is used to perform special X-ray examinations. These tests help doctors to:

  • Assess the patient’s swallowing function
  • Identify any abnormalities in the throat or esophagus
  • Monitor the progress of treatment
  • Detect potential complications related to cancer or its treatment

Understanding a patient’s swallowing ability is crucial because difficulties in swallowing (known as dysphagia) are common in head and neck cancer patients and can significantly impact their quality of life[1].

How is Barium Sulfate Administered?

Barium sulfate is typically administered as an oral suspension. This means it’s a liquid that you drink. The dosage and concentration can vary depending on the specific examination being performed. In the context of the clinical trial mentioned, the maximum daily dose is 50 mg/ml, with a maximum total dose of 250 mg/ml over a period of up to 7 days[1].

Current Clinical Trial

A clinical trial is currently being conducted to study the outcomes of different approaches to feeding tube placement in advanced head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemoradiotherapy. While barium sulfate is not the primary focus of this study, it may be used as part of the swallowing assessments[1].

The main objective of this trial is to compare patient-reported outcomes related to swallowing and quality of life between two groups:

  1. Patients who receive a feeding tube prophylactically (before problems arise)
  2. Patients who receive a feeding tube reactively (when problems occur)

The study will use various questionnaires and assessments, including the MD Anderson Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), to measure these outcomes[1].

Patient Eligibility for the Trial

To participate in this clinical trial, patients must meet certain criteria. Some key eligibility requirements include:

  • Age 18 or older
  • Newly diagnosed, histologically confirmed primary squamous cell carcinoma of the oral cavity, oropharynx, hypopharynx, larynx, or nasopharyngeal carcinoma
  • Candidate for curative intent radiotherapy and systemic treatment
  • No prior or current anticancer treatment for the head and neck cancer
  • Adequate bone marrow, liver, and kidney function

There are also several exclusion criteria, such as severe malnutrition, significant dysphagia, or distant metastasis[1].

Potential Benefits of the Study

While not directly related to barium sulfate, this study aims to improve the care of head and neck cancer patients by:

  • Assessing and comparing swallowing outcomes with different feeding tube placement strategies
  • Evaluating health-related quality of life
  • Assessing treatment-related toxicities and complications
  • Studying the impact of nutritional status on survival and toxicity outcomes
  • Evaluating tumor response to treatment

The results of this study could help guide future treatment decisions and improve patient care[1].

Safety Considerations

While barium sulfate is generally considered safe, it’s important to note that:

  • It should not be used in patients with known hypersensitivity to barium sulfate or its components
  • It’s not recommended for use in pregnant or lactating women unless absolutely necessary
  • Patients with certain conditions (like severe coagulation disorders) may not be suitable candidates for procedures involving barium sulfate

Always inform your healthcare provider about any allergies, medical conditions, or medications you’re taking before undergoing any procedure involving barium sulfate[1].

Aspect Details
Study Focus Swallowing and quality of life in advanced head and neck cancer patients
Main Objective Compare swallowing outcomes between prophylactic and reactive PEG tube placement
Barium Sulfate Role Oral contrast agent for swallowing assessment
Maximum Daily Dose 50 mg/ml
Treatment Duration Up to 7 days
Key Eligibility Criteria Age ≥18, newly diagnosed head and neck cancer, suitable for chemoradiotherapy
Primary Endpoint Global MDADI score at 6 months post-treatment

FAQ

  • What is the main purpose of the clinical trial using Barium Sulfate? The main purpose is to assess and compare swallowing outcomes in head and neck cancer patients who receive either prophylactic or reactive feeding tube placement during chemoradiotherapy treatment. Barium Sulfate is used as a contrast agent to help evaluate swallowing function.
  • How is Barium Sulfate administered in this trial? Barium Sulfate is administered as an oral suspension. This means it is a liquid that patients drink to help doctors see their swallowing process more clearly during imaging tests.
  • What is the maximum daily dose of Barium Sulfate used in the trial? The maximum daily dose of Barium Sulfate used in the trial is 50 mg/ml (milligrams per milliliter).
  • How long does the Barium Sulfate treatment last in this trial? The maximum treatment period with Barium Sulfate is 7 days.
  • Are there any specific eligibility criteria for participating in this trial? Yes, there are several eligibility criteria, including being at least 18 years old, having newly diagnosed head and neck cancer, being a candidate for curative radiotherapy and systemic treatment, and meeting specific health requirements related to bone marrow, liver, and kidney function.

Ongoing Clinical Trials on Barium Sulfate

  • Study on Swallowing and Quality of Life in Advanced Head and Neck Cancer Patients Using Cisplatin and Drug Combination

    Not recruiting

    3 1 1 1
    Investigated diseases:
    Investigated drugs:
    Belgium

Glossary

  • Barium Sulfate: A contrast agent used in medical imaging to help visualize the digestive tract during X-rays or other imaging procedures.
  • Chemoradiotherapy: A cancer treatment that combines chemotherapy (using drugs to kill cancer cells) with radiotherapy (using radiation to kill cancer cells).
  • Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) tube: A feeding tube inserted directly into the stomach through the abdominal wall, used to provide nutrition when a person cannot eat normally.
  • Prophylactic: A preventive measure taken to maintain health or prevent disease.
  • Reactive: An action taken in response to a situation, rather than in anticipation of it.
  • Dysphagia: Difficulty or discomfort in swallowing.
  • Quality of Life (QOL): A measure of an individual's overall well-being and life satisfaction, including physical, mental, and social aspects.
  • Oropharyngeal cancer: Cancer that develops in the part of the throat just behind the mouth, including the base of the tongue and tonsils.
  • ECOG performance status: A scale used to assess how a patient's disease is progressing and how it affects daily living abilities.
  • Cisplatin: A chemotherapy drug commonly used to treat various types of cancers, including head and neck cancers.

References

  1. http://clinicaltrials.eu/trial/study-on-swallowing-and-quality-of-life-in-advanced-head-and-neck-cancer-patients-using-cisplatin-and-drug-combination/