Telehealth for Oral Health in Cancer Survivors

Recruiting at 1 trial location

Overseen By Smith

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Georgetown University

Disqualifiers: Head/neck cancer, Recurrence, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 10

Duration: 6 months

100 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests a new telehealth program designed to help cancer survivors improve their oral health. The study compares two groups: one receives regular dental care information, while the other participates in virtual sessions (Telehealth Intervention, or THI) to enhance oral health knowledge and habits. The focus is on preventing mouth problems related to past cancer treatments and improving overall oral health. Eligible participants are cancer survivors who completed their primary treatment at least six months ago and have a smartphone. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity to enhance oral health through innovative telehealth solutions.

Do I need to stop taking my current medications for this trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It's best to discuss this with the trial coordinators or your doctor.

What prior data suggests that this Telehealth Intervention is safe for cancer survivors?

Research has shown that telehealth for dental care, particularly for cancer patients, is generally well-liked. In one study, 78% of patients preferred this method. Furthermore, 92% of patients would recommend video consultations to others, indicating a positive experience with few side effects.

Other studies indicate that teledentistry not only improves health outcomes but also increases patient satisfaction. Patients report greater happiness with their care and communication with health providers. No major reports of negative side effects or safety issues have emerged with telehealth for dental care.

Overall, telehealth for oral health in cancer survivors appears safe and well-accepted. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about the Telehealth Intervention for oral health in cancer survivors because it offers a novel approach to managing oral health through virtual platforms. Unlike traditional methods that rely on in-person visits, this intervention allows participants to engage in virtual sessions, increasing accessibility and convenience. It also incorporates motivational interviewing techniques to boost oral health literacy and self-efficacy, which could empower patients to take better care of their oral health. This approach not only aims to improve oral hygiene but also fosters long-term healthy habits, which is particularly beneficial for cancer survivors who may face ongoing health challenges.

What evidence suggests that the Telehealth Intervention (THI) is effective for improving oral health in cancer survivors?

Research shows that telehealth services can greatly improve oral health. Studies have found that digital health programs for cancer patients help catch oral health problems early, improve mouth function, and enhance oral hygiene. For example, one study found that people using digital health tools had better mouth-opening and jaw function. Additionally, teledentistry has been linked to less plaque and gum disease, along with higher patient satisfaction. In this trial, the Telehealth Intervention (THI) arm will explore whether these benefits can effectively prevent oral health issues in cancer survivors. ^{1 3 6 7 8}

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for cancer survivors aged 25-75, from any racial or ethnic group, who have completed their primary cancer therapy at least 6 months ago. Participants must own a smartphone to be eligible.

Inclusion Criteria

All race/ethnic groups

Own a smart phone

I finished my main cancer treatment over 6 months ago.

Exclusion Criteria

I am between 25 and 75 years old.

I am a survivor of head and neck or oral cancer.

I have had cancer more than once or am currently being treated for another cancer.

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2-4 weeks

1 visit (in-person)

Baseline Assessment

Intraoral imaging and collection of baseline saliva and blood samples

1 week

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Participants engage in a 6-month Telehealth Intervention (THI) or receive Usual Care (UC)

6 months

6 virtual sessions (THI arm), biweekly text messages (both arms)

Follow-up

Participants are monitored for oral and systemic health outcomes post-intervention

6 months

2 visits (in-person) at 6 and 12 months

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Telehealth Intervention (THI)

Trial Overview The study tests an oral Telehealth Intervention (THI) against Usual Care (UC) over six months. It aims to prevent oral complications, improve mouth health and quality of life, and reduce inflammation in unselected cancer survivors.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Telehealth Intervention (THI) arm Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The THI is a 6-month intervention. Participants randomized to THI arm will engage in 6,1-hour virtual sessions with trained study personnel. Modules contain a 1) participant check-in, 2) content designed to build oral health literacy and self-efficacy, 3) and goal-setting. Coaches will use a facilitation guide, layered with motivational interviewing to conduct telehealth sessions. Participants will also receive biweekly text messages aligned with module content. Post-intervention follow-up will occur at 6- and 12-month post-randomization.

Group II: Usual Care (UC) arm Active Control 1 Intervention

This group will receive biweekly text messages on general health behaviors as a retention strategy. This arm will receive no other outside interventions. The Dental Resource directory will be provided to all participants.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Georgetown University

Lead Sponsor

Trials

355

Recruited

142,000+

Citations

1. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/telehealth-for-oral-health-in-cancer-survivors-1da36

Telehealth for Oral Health in Cancer Survivors The investigators will conduct a 2-arm 6-month randomized clinical controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of an oral Telehealth Intervention (THI) ...

2. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10124999/

Digital health and telehealth in cancer care: a scoping review ... This scoping review of reviews characterised the peer-reviewed literature reviews on digital health and telehealth interventions in cancer

3. sciencedirect.com sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1462388925002248

Effectiveness and determinants of a Digital Health ... The intervention significantly improved maximal mouth-opening (p<0.001), mandibular function (p<0.001), training frequency and duration (p<0.001) ...

4. onlinelibrary.wiley.com onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/joor.13836

The role of teledentistry in improving oral health outcomes ... Clinical outcomes included the early detection of dental caries and oral cancer, improved oral hygiene and reduction of plaque and gingival and ...

5. jmir.org jmir.org/2025/1/e65211/PDF

Teledentistry for Improving Access To, and Quality of Oral ... Teledentistry led to improved clinical outcomes, patients' and OHCPs' satisfaction, and enhanced communication [4,49,61] Furthermore, ...

6. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8255116/

The role of teledentistry in oral cancer patients during the ... We found that 78% of patients currently preferred teledentistry; 92% of patients would recommend the use of video consultation to other patients ...

7. researchprotocols.org researchprotocols.org/2025/1/e63099

Telehomecare Monitoring for Patients Receiving ... This study aims to concurrently analyze implementation and evaluate the effectiveness of TM for patients receiving anticancer oral therapy.

8. mdpi.com mdpi.com/2072-6694/17/15/2432

A Comparison of In-Person and Telehealth ... This study compared the effectiveness of a personalized 12-week exercise program delivered in-person versus via telehealth among cancer survivors ...