Summary
This study is looking at whether a medicine used for cholesterol management (called pravastatin) can help improve swallowing problems (also known as dysphagia) in people who have previously had radiation therapy for head and neck cancer.
Pravastatin is already approved for use in Australia for cholesterol management, and researchers want to determine if taking it can make swallowing easier and improve quality of life for people with ongoing swallowing problems after cancer treatment.
The study will recruit 48 people over a period of approximately 6 months.
Who is this study for?
People may be invited to take part if the are referred by their radiation oncologist or speech pathologist because they have swallowing problems caused by radiation therapy.
You may be eligible if you have received (chemo)radiotherapy to the nasopharynx, oropharynx, hypopharynx or larynx at least 2 years prior to joining the study.
You cannot take part in this study if you have had surgery for your head and neck cancer, except if the surgery was only a neck dissection.
Study details
Participants will take pravastatin oral tablets (40mg) once a day for up to 12 months. Swallowing will be assessed before starting medication, during the treatment period, and after finishing treatment.