A study to see what people think of a new questionnaire asking about side effects of radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy

Please note - this trial is no longer recruiting patients. We hope to add results when they are available.

Cancer type:

Oesophageal cancer

Status:

Closed

Phase:

Other

This study is looking at a new questionnaire about side effects of radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for oesophageal cancer or head and neck cancer.

An important part of many trials is looking at side effects of treatment. During treatment, doctors examine the people taking part and ask them about any side effects they have. But we know from research that some side effects, such as fatigue or breathlessness are difficult for doctors to measure. It is better if patients can describe how bad these side effects are and how they affect quality of life Open a glossary item .

Researchers are trying to develop questionnaires to ask people about side effects of treatment. This study is testing questionnaires developed for people having radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy Open a glossary item for oesophageal cancer or head and neck cancer. The aims of the study are to find out

If people find the questions clear and whether any questions are embarrassing or upsetting
Which questions need to be changed
How long it takes people to fill out the questionnaires and if they need any help
Whether people would mind filling out such questionnaires

Who can enter

You can enter this trial if you

Are going to have radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy for head and neck or oesophageal cancer or have finished either of these treatments more than 4 months ago
Are able to read and write English
Are at least 18 years old

You cannot enter this trial if your cancer has come back after treatment.

Trial design

The study will recruit 30 people who have oesophageal cancer and 30 people who have head and neck cancer.

If you are about to start treatment for oesophageal cancer, the study team will ask you to fill out a questionnaire before you start and then weekly during treatment. This should take about 20 minutes each time. The first, second and last time you fill out a questionnaire, the study team will also ask you to fill out a short feedback form. This will ask what you thought of the questionnaire and how long it took you to complete.

If you have head and neck cancer or have already had treatment for oesophageal cancer, the study team will ask you to fill out just one questionnaire and feedback form during a routine hospital appointment.

Hospital visits

You will not have to make any extra visits to hospital if you take part in this study.

Side effects

This study does not involve any treatment, so there are no side effects from taking part. A doctor or nurse will be in the clinic to help if you have any problems filling out the questionnaire.