Using light therapy to treat swelling in head and neck cancer survivors
Placebo-Controlled Phase II Randomized Clinical Trial of Photobiomodulation Therapy in Head and Neck Cancer Survivors with Chronic Lymphedema
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.
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 ID | NIH-11049285 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) to alleviate chronic lymphedema in survivors of head and neck cancer. The study involves a placebo-controlled clinical trial where participants will receive either the light therapy or a placebo treatment over a five-year period. The goal is to assess the effectiveness of PBMT in reducing swelling and improving function in the affected areas, such as the jaw and neck. Participants will be monitored for any adverse effects and the overall impact on their quality of life.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have survived head and neck cancer and are experiencing chronic lymphedema.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have a history of head and neck cancer or who do not experience lymphedema may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for chronic lymphedema in head and neck cancer survivors.
How similar studies have performed: Previous pilot trials have shown promising results for the use of PBMT in treating lymphedema, indicating potential success for this larger study.
Where this research is happening
Philadelphia, United States
- University of Pennsylvania — Philadelphia, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Deng, Jie — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Deng, Jie
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 below.