Photobiomodulation therapy for chronic head and neck lymphedema in cancer survivors
Official title: Placebo-Controlled Phase II Randomized Clinical Trial of Photobiomodulation Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors with Chronic Lymphedema
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11324201 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A 5-year, multi-site trial tests a light-based therapy to reduce long-term neck and jaw swelling in people who survived head and neck cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | April 23, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $693,942 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA289307-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11324201 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with chronic head and neck lymphedema following cancer treatment, who have completed standard decongestive therapy and meet trial criteria.
✕Less likely to help
Some participants may not experience noticeable changes in swelling or function and may not benefit from the therapy.
What this research studies
If you are a head and neck cancer survivor with chronic swelling in the head/neck area, this study wants to see if a non-drug light therapy can help reduce your lymphedema and improve comfort and movement. The trial design is placebo-controlled and blinded to minimize bias, with sessions conducted at multiple sites. Researchers will closely monitor safety and measure changes in swelling, jaw motion, swallowing, and quality of life. The goal is to find a safe, effective option for managing chronic lymphedema when standard care isn’t enough.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, participants may experience reduced swelling and improved function, impacting daily activities and comfort.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary pilot data showed feasibility and potential efficacy, supporting a larger, rigorous trial.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deng, Jie — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Deng, Jie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Using light therapy to treat swelling in head and neck cancer survivors
This study is looking at whether a special light therapy can help reduce swelling and improve movement for people who have chronic lymphedema after surviving head and neck cancer, and it will compare the effects of the therapy to a fake treatment over five years.
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Image-based detection and monitoring of secondary lymphedema in head and neck cancer
A new, smartphone-enabled method uses simple computer vision to detect and track secondary lymphedema in people treated for head and neck cancer.
-
Radiation-related scarring and related effects in head and neck cancer survivors
A study looking at how fibrosis from radiation affects neck movement, swallowing, and daily life in people who have survived head and neck cancer.
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Biological and social factors shaping psychosocial outcomes in advanced head and neck cancer patients on immunotherapy
This grant studies how biology and social factors influence mental and emotional well-being in people with advanced head and neck cancer who are receiving immunotherapy.
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Tele-CBT program to reduce body image distress after head and neck cancer
This project offers a five-session remote cognitive behavioral therapy (BRIGHT) to help head and neck cancer survivors who are struggling with appearance, speech, or swallowing changes.
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Understanding emotional and social challenges for people with advanced head and neck cancer on immunotherapy
This project aims to understand the emotional and social challenges faced by patients with advanced head and neck cancer who are receiving immunotherapy.
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.