Image-based detection and monitoring of secondary lymphedema in head and neck cancer
Official title: Image-based Detection and Spatial Monitoring of Secondary Lymphedema in Head and Neck Cancer
Funded at University of Illinois at Chicago · NIH-11388472 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, smartphone-enabled method uses simple computer vision to detect and track secondary lymphedema in people treated for head and neck cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Illinois at Chicago NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chicago, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 2, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $168,940 |
| NIH project number | 1R21EB037290-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11388472 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Head and neck cancer survivors at risk for or with secondary lymphedema who can use a smartphone-based workflow.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without access to smartphone-enabled assessment or without lymphedema risk may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project develops an accessible, first-in-class way to automatically detect and measure lymphedema in head and neck cancer patients using learning-free computer vision and smartphone tools. The approach creates a 3D model of the head and neck to track lymphedema over time with consistent landmark registration. It aims to provide clinicians and patients with objective, easy-to-use metrics to guide treatment decisions and monitor changes. The goal is to catch lymphedema early and prevent irreversible fibrosis and related functional problems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive earlier, personalized management of lymphedema with clearer progress tracking.
How similar studies have gone: Prior methods exist but lack automated, learning-free, bedside detection and longitudinal monitoring.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Illinois at Chicago
Chicago, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marai, Georgeta-Elisabeta — University of Illinois at Chicago
- Study coordinator: Marai, Georgeta-Elisabeta
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Photobiomodulation therapy for chronic head and neck lymphedema in cancer survivors
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.