The CSCD Center solicits applications for Pilot Research Projects.

Pilot Project 7 (PP7): Physical and Cognitive Function, Symptom Distress and Quality of Life in Head and Neck Cancer, PI: Moira A. Visovatti, PhD, RN, ACNP-BC, OCN, School of Nursing; Collaborative Team: Debra Barton, PhD, Heidi Mason, MSN, Sean Smith, MD, Francis Worden, MD.

Head and Neck cancers (HNC) include cancers of the oral cavity, pharynx, salivary glands, and larynx. In 2016, approximately 61,760 new cases of HNC were diagnosed in the US. Mortality rates have been declining and the five year survival rate is now estimated to be greater than 64%. Given the prevalence of the disease and current survival rates, understanding HNC-related changes in function and quality of life is critical to developing targeted self-management interventions to optimize function and reduce distress. Head and neck cancer and its treatments has been associated with functional changes and a high symptom burden including pain, decreased head and neck mobility, dysphagia, lymphedema, fatigue, loss of taste, loss of hearing, vertigo, alterations in speech, dry mouth, dental caries, gingival disease, sleep disturbances, cognitive changes, and emotional distress. A growing number of studies suggest that physical activity or exercise training may be a promising intervention to improve function, reduce symptom distress, and maintain quality of life in individuals with HNC. Additionally, restorative activities or exposure to the natural environment may reduce mental fatigue and improve attention in individuals with cancer. The first step to developing targeted approaches to optimize function and preventing disability in individuals with HNC is to examine functional abilities, symptom distress, and quality of life early in the disease trajectory. At this time, only two studies have examined physical function and one study examined cognitive function pre-treatment in individuals with HNC. No studies were found that examined the relationship between function, symptom distress, and quality of life in individuals newly diagnosed with HNC. The purpose of this study is to assess physical function, cognitive function (attention and cognitive control domains), symptom distress, and quality of life patterns from pre-treatment to 3-months after treatment initiation. Additionally, this study will assess the feasibility and acceptability of wearing an activity tracker, a novel method of measuring physical function in HNC. Knowledge gained from this study will contribute to the scientific base for the development of timely self-management interventions directed toward maintaining optimal functioning and reducing distress in individuals with cancer. This study will 1) contribute to the scientific knowledge of physical and cognitive function, symptom distress, and quality of life in HNC, and 2) provide the foundation for developing targeted self-management interventions to optimize function and prevent disability in individuals with HNC. Cancer-related symptoms and preventing disability in individuals with cancer is a research priority of the Oncology Nursing Society and the National Cancer Institute. Developing targeted interventions to improve self-management in individuals with chronic illnesses is a research priority of the National Institute of Nursing Research.
The specific aims and corresponding hypotheses are: