Current Research

Thyroid, Head and Neck Research Center (THNRC)

The Thyroid Head and Neck Research Center (THNRC) housed within Beth Israel Medical Center is a multidisciplinary Center supported by the Thyroid Head and Neck Cancer (THANC) Foundation. This Center focuses on assessing how current treatments for thyroid and head and neck cancer impact on function, as well as establishing new treatments to improve functional outcomes and alleviate the side effects of head and neck cancer treatment. These outcomes include quality of life, speech, taste, swallowing, voice and sensation. The Center includes a multidisciplinary team composed of otolaryngologists, oral and maxillofacial surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists, speech pathologists, nutritionists, and nurses. The Thyroid Head and Neck Research Center is currently developing multidisciplinary protocols and treatments to improve voice, speech, swallow, taste, sensation and quality of life for individuals undergoing treatment for head and neck cancer. In addition, we strive to offer creative solutions for individuals who have previously been treated for thyroid or head and neck cancer and who currently suffer functional disabilities and aesthetic deformity resulting from these treatments.  

Types of Assessments the THNRC Performs

• Clinical Swallow Evaluation
• Instrumental Swallow Evaluation
• Modified Barium Swallow
• Manometry
• FEES
• Facial and Intra-oral Sensory Testing
• Voice Assessment (acoustic and aerodynamic)
• Endoscopic Evaluation of Vocal Fold Movement
• Tongue Function Testing (assesses pressure generation)
• Saliva Testing
• Taste Assessment
• Quality of Life Testing 

Clinical Trials

An NIH/NCI-funded multi-institutional clinical trial is currently being conducted within the THNRC. This study examines the efficacy of neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) paired with intensive traditional swallow therapy on swallow functioning and quality of life in patients treated with surgery and/or chemoradiotherapy for head and neck cancer. To be eligible, patients must have completed radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy at least 3 months previously and must be free of disease. In addition, the swallowing impairment must be severe enough that aspiration or airway entrance penetration are identified on Modified Barium Swallow Examination.   

Past Research

The THANC Foundation has sponsored Young and Senior Investigators in both thyroid and head and neck cancer. In a time of dwindling federal grants for medical research, THANC’s program focused on early and mid-career researchers. The Foundation provided resources for the most promising work to secure funding from government or other sources. In two cases, our grants enabled investigators to do just that. In alignment with its mission, THANC is particularly interested in research that advanced early detection and new therapeutic approaches.

THANC partnered with the American Thyroid Assocation (ATA) to provide funds that support research projects in the area of thyroid cancer. Research awards were intended to assist new investigators in obtaining preliminary data for submission of a more substantial application (i.e., to the National Institutes of Health).  A research grant, up to $25,000 annually had been awarded for two year terms based on receipt and review of a satisfactory progress report from funded investigators in the fourth quarter of the first year of funding.