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

This research project is in progress. PCORI will post the research findings on this page within 90 days after the results are final.

What is the research about?

Three out of four people who have treatment for head and neck cancer develop lymphedema. Lymphedema is swelling due to the abnormal build-up of lymph fluid in the soft tissue. This swelling can make it hard for people to swallow and move their head and neck. Treatment can help decrease swelling. But many people don’t live near a clinic that offers this treatment. The COVID-19 pandemic has also made it hard for people to get in-person treatment.

In this study, the research team is comparing clinic-based lymphedema treatment with or without home care among people who have had head and neck cancer. Home-based care requires fewer in-clinic visits than clinic-based care. The team wants to learn how well these treatment approaches work to improve patients’ swelling, symptoms, and physical function.

Who can this research help?

Results may help clinic administrators and people who have had head and neck cancer and their doctors when considering ways to treat lymphedema.

What is the research team doing?

The research team is enrolling 300 adult patients with lymphedema at three medical centers in Pennsylvania. Patients have finished treatment for head and neck cancer. All patients in the study are receiving treatment from a certified lymphedema therapist and a compression garment to control swelling. Therapists teach patients about skin care and exercises for their jaw, neck, and shoulders. They also teach patients how to care for their lymphedema on their own at home. All patients have access to an educational website.

The research team is assigning patients by chance to receive treatment at a clinic with or without home care for six weeks. In clinic-based treatment, a therapist provides treatment at the clinic twice a week. In home-based treatment, patients start treatment at the clinic but then have sessions with the therapist at home by video. For the first two weeks, a therapist provides treatment at the clinic twice a week. For the next three weeks, patients have video training sessions with the therapist twice a week at home. In week six, patients have one video session at home and a final session with the therapist at the clinic.

At the start of the study and six weeks, six months, and one year later, the research team is performing physical exams and looking at range of motion in each patient’s jaw and neck. Patients are also answering questions about their symptoms and use of healthcare services.

Patients who have had head and neck cancer, caregivers, clinicians, healthcare administrators, advocacy organizations, and insurers are helping to design and conduct the study.

Research methods at a glance