Head and neck cancer rehabilitation: the CaRe feasibility study

The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a multi-modal exercise and education rehabilitation programme for patients post head and neck cancer (HNC) treatment.

This single-arm prospective feasibility study included patients in the first 2 years following treatment for HNC. Participants completed a 10-week multi-modal exercise and education programme including twice weekly online or in-person group exercise sessions and four education sessions. Feasibility was evaluated via recruitment, adherence, and compliance to the programme. Secondary outcomes examined physical function and quality of life. The acceptability of the programme was assessed through participant feedback.

In total, 22 participants were recruited (36% (n = 8) female, mean age 65.23 years (SD 14.53, range 27-87 years)). The recruitment rate was 24%. Most participants had a history of surgery including neck dissection (95.5%, n = 21) and seven had flap reconstruction (31.8%). Approximately 54.5% (n = 12) of the participants screened positively for lymphoedema. Five people engaged with classes online (average 16.25 classes, range 6-24). Most participants attended the in-person class (n = 14, average 9.86 classes range 1-20). One person chose to do online and in-person classes. Two participants enrolled in the online programme did not engage with the intervention. Measures of physical activity levels, strength, frailty, and physical well-being all increased significantly post intervention. Participants provided positive feedback on the programme, particularly valuing the social experience of exercising alongside peers with similar cancer experiences.

The intervention appears feasible in a group of complex cancer survivors of HNC, with a preference for in-person exercise classes.

NCT06646861.