Lymphoedema Among Persons With Head- and Neck Cancer

Launched by LUND UNIVERSITY · Mar 30, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying a condition called lymphedema, which is swelling that can occur in the head and neck area after treatment for head and neck cancer. The researchers want to find out how common lymphedema is among patients with this type of cancer. They will measure the amount of water in the tissues of the head and neck before and after different treatments, and they will also look at how these treatments affect patients' quality of life.

To participate in this trial, you need to be at least 18 years old and have a confirmed diagnosis of head and neck cancer, which can come from different areas like the throat or mouth. You should be planning to receive treatment aimed at curing your cancer, but you cannot have had prior treatment in the head and neck region or certain surgeries. If you join the trial, you can expect to undergo assessments to check for lymphedema and share your experiences about your quality of life before and after treatment. This study hopes to help improve care for future patients facing similar challenges.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Biopsy or cytology confirmed HNC (all malignant types are accepted) from the oropharynx (OPC), oral cavity (OC) or neck metastases from unknown primary cancer of the head and neck (CUP).
• • Tumour stage T1-4, N0-3.
• • Planned for treatment with curative intent as recommended at the multidisciplinary tumour board.
• • Age \>18 years. Able to give informed consent
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Previous treatment of HNC or radiation to the head and neck area.
• • Planned surgery that includes free tissue transfer or pedicled flaps in the neck (local facial pedicled flaps are accepted).
• • Planned neck dissection involving less than three regions of the neck.
• • Planned proton therapy.
• • Pre-treatment surgery or Botox injections in the tissue in the head and neck area.
• • Pregnancy