RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT05182229

Comparing Two Ways to Manage Head and Neck Lymphedema

Comparing Two Ways to Manage Lymphedema in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors

Sponsor

Abramson Cancer Center at Penn Medicine

Enrollment

300 participants

Start Date

Mar 11, 2022

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Lymphedema Head and Neck Cancer

Summary

This randomized clinical trial aims to compare clinic-based CDT and home-based (a hybrid model) CDT on changes in the severity of lymphedema, symptom burden, functional status, and healthcare utilization in HNC survivors with lymphedema.

Eligibility

Min Age: 18 Years

Inclusion Criteria5

\>18 years of age
\<=24 months post-HNC treatment
Diagnosis of head and neck lymphedema and referral by their oncology providers
Able to perform self-manual lymphatic drainage
Having an electronic device (a computer, tablet, iPad, laptop, or smartphone) and internet access at home

Exclusion Criteria4

Active infection in soft tissues in the head and neck region
History of moderate or severe carotid artery occlusion
Significantly severe lymphedema (e.g., severe periorbital swelling)
Conditions impacting the safe delivery of lymphedema therapy

Interventions

OTHERHome-based (a hybrid model) CDT

Participants will be provided therapist-administered, in person complete decongestive therapy (CDT) two times per week for two weeks (4 sessions), followed by real-time, virtual CDT consultations two times per week for three weeks (7 sessions) and one in person follow-up visit.

OTHERClinic-based CDT

Participants will be provided therapist administered, in-person CDT two times per week for six weeks (12 sessions).