Using light therapy to treat swelling in head and neck 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-11049285 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 start | April 23, 2025 |
| Project end | March 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $706,669 |
| NIH project number | 1R01CA289307-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11049285 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have survived head and neck cancer and are experiencing chronic lymphedema.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of head and neck cancer or who do not experience lymphedema may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
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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Photobiomodulation therapy for chronic head and neck lymphedema in cancer survivors
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.
-
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.
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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.